Quick Beef Minestrone Soup
A hearty and flavorful beef minestrone soup featuring tender beef, mixed vegetables, pasta, and herbs, perfect for a comforting family meal or quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart pan, combine water, frozen mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, beef bouillon, and basil.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low.
- Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir the beef tip steak into the simmering soup.
- Immediately remove from heat.
- Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker cook, ensure the beef tip steak is cut very thin and consider using pre-cooked or leftover beef for added convenience. You can also substitute the elbow macaroni with any small pasta shape or use a gluten-free pasta if necessary. For a more robust flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside an Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water if needed to loosen the soup. It can also be microwaved in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Beef Minestrone Soup contains roughly 98 calories, with 12g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use other types of meat in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute the beef tip steak with ground beef or even shredded chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; ground beef will cook faster, while shredded chicken may only need to be warmed through.
What can I add to make the soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You could also sauté some minced garlic and onion at the beginning for extra flavor and heat.
Can I freeze the minestrone soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
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).