Presto Minestrone
A hearty, vegetable-packed minestrone soup with tender beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and pasta, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, sauté ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped celery until beef is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Add the remaining ingredients: spaghetti sauce, small red beans, sliced carrots, frozen green beans, chopped cabbage, small macaroni, and water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding diced potatoes or a can of diced tomatoes. If you're short on time, using pre-cooked ground beef can speed up the process. You can also substitute the small macaroni with any pasta you have on hand. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this minestrone with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Quick Italian Meat Loaf, adding a delightful contrast of flavors. For a touch of freshness, consider garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Presto Minestrone contains roughly 626 calories, with 29g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (260% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), and protein (58% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2553mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Presto Minestrone?
Yes, you can freeze Presto Minestrone for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
What other vegetables can I add to this minestrone?
Feel free to customize your minestrone by adding vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Almost any vegetable can be incorporated based on your preference or what you have available, making this a versatile dish for different seasons.
Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables beforehand, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding the macaroni in the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).