Sausage Minestrone
A hearty, comforting minestrone packed with Italian sausage, vegetables, and pasta, perfect for warming up family dinners or casual gatherings with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large kettle, brown the sausage, onion, and garlic.
- Drain excess fat from the kettle.
- Add water, tomatoes, beef bouillon, Italian seasonings, pepper, carrots, and garbanzo beans to the kettle.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
- Stir in the spaghetti and green beans.
- Bring to a boil again.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes or until the spaghetti is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef bouillon or adding a splash of red wine while simmering. You can substitute the Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter version, or use a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. If you have leftover vegetables, feel free to toss them in; this minestrone is versatile and perfect for using up odds and ends. Pair it with breadsticks for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sausage Minestrone hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For those who enjoy hearty dishes, consider serving it alongside Mike'S Spaghetti Sauce for an Italian-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the minestrone to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth if it thickens too much after refrigeration.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Minestrone contains roughly 1380 calories, with 34g protein, 174g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (67% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2181mg per serving (95% 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 minestrone ahead of time?
Yes, this minestrone can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. Keep in mind that the spaghetti will absorb some of the broth, so you may want to add a bit of water when reheating.
What can I substitute for garbanzo beans?
If you don't have garbanzo beans on hand, you can substitute them with cannellini beans or kidney beans for a similar texture. Both options will work well in this minestrone and provide a good source of protein.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! This minestrone is very adaptable. You can add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers depending on your preference. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as some veggies may require less time to cook.
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).