Streamline Beef Minestrone Soup
A hearty and flavorful minestrone soup featuring lean ground beef and turkey, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 (13 3/4 oz.) can Italian style stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (13 3/4 oz.) can single strength beef broth ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 3/4 cup fresh zucchini, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shell-shaped pasta ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
Instructions
- Combine tomatoes, beef broth, vegetables, and pasta in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook until pasta is tender, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, combine ground beef and turkey, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and red pepper.
- Form 24 meatballs with the mixture and place them on a microwave-safe baking dish.
- Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 3 1/2 to 4 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes.
- Add the meatballs to the soup and stir to combine.
- Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some onions and carrots before adding the other ingredients. You can substitute the shell-shaped pasta with any small pasta or even use whole grain for a healthier option. If you want a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of tomato paste or use less broth. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to include your favorite vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty minestrone soup with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top can elevate the dish. For a delightful twist, try pairing it with the Cubed Steak Parmegiana for a comforting Italian dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Streamline Beef Minestrone Soup contains roughly 343 calories, with 23g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. At about 343 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 different types of meat in this soup?
Absolutely! You can replace the lean ground beef and turkey with ground chicken or even omit the meat for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you use a different kind of meat.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Additionally, incorporate beans like kidney or cannellini for added protein and texture.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
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).