Traditional Minestrone
A hearty, flavorful vegetable and bean soup with pasta, perfect for cozy meals and suitable for vegetarians seeking a comforting, nutritious dish.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 c. chopped carrots ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (9 oz.) box frozen cut green beans ⓘ
- 7 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 c. elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can Great Northern beans, drained ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, crushed garlic, and chopped celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until carrots are slightly soft, about 10 minutes.
- Add frozen green beans, beef broth, and stewed tomatoes to the pot.
- Bring the soup to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Add elbow macaroni, drained Great Northern beans, and dried basil.
- Simmer, covered, until the macaroni is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top each with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding diced potatoes or zucchini. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for beef broth. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor. You can also use different pasta shapes if elbow macaroni isn’t available. Remember to adjust cooking times based on the pasta used. This soup can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day!
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Italian Crescent Bake or a simple side salad for a complete meal. Crusty bread or garlic bread also complements this dish nicely, providing a satisfying crunch alongside the warm soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the soup in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup for up to 3 months, but be aware that the pasta may become softer upon reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Traditional Minestrone contains roughly 1793 calories, with 42g protein, 247g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (251% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value), and protein (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2635mg per serving (115% 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 soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made a day ahead. In fact, letting it sit overnight enhances the flavors. Just remember to cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to maintain its texture.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you want a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also use chicken broth as an alternative if you prefer a non-vegetarian option.
Can I add other vegetables to the minestrone?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers. This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences or what you have on hand.
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).