Sausage Minestrone Soup
A hearty Italian-inspired minestrone soup with sausage, vegetables, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy to customize with favorite greens or beans.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. bulk Italian sausage
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 8 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can Italian-style tomatoes, undrained and broken ⓘ
- 5 tsp. beef flavored bouillon or 5 cubes bouillon ⓘ
- 4 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 2 medium carrots, pared and sliced ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans ⓘ
- 1 (9 oz.) pkg. frozen cut green beans, thawed ⓘ
- 1/2 (8 oz.) pkg. spaghetti, broken ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large kettle or Dutch oven, brown the sausage, chopped onion, and finely chopped garlic.
- Pour off any excess fat.
- Add water, Italian-style tomatoes, beef flavored bouillon, Italian seasoning, pepper, sliced carrots, and broken spaghetti. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the garbanzo beans and thawed green beans, then bring the mixture back to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the spaghetti and green beans are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider substituting homemade chicken broth for the water. You can also use turkey sausage for a lighter version. If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when browning the sausage. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be stirred in just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A side of crusty Italian bread pairs beautifully with this dish, perfect for dipping. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with a slice of Italian Breaded Round Steak. This soup is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick meal. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Minestrone Soup contains roughly 1284 calories, with 36g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (125% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1709mg per serving (74% 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 make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make this sausage minestrone soup a day ahead. Just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. When reheating, you may need to add a little water to thin it out, as it may thicken in the fridge.
Can I use other types of beans?
Absolutely! While garbanzo beans are great, you can substitute kidney beans, cannellini beans, or any other beans you have on hand. Just ensure they're cooked or canned to save time. This flexibility makes it easy to customize the soup according to your tastes or pantry supplies.
What can I serve with this soup?
This minestrone soup is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread. For a heartier option, consider serving it with a slice of Lasagne By Ellen or even some homemade focaccia. These accompaniments enhance the meal and provide a satisfying experience.
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).