Recipe for Beef Minestrone Soup That Warms Your Soul

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of minestrone soup, especially when it’s packed with hearty beef and fresh vegetables. This beef minestrone soup recipe brings together the rich flavors of tender ground beef, vibrant seasonal veggies, and aromatic herbs, simmered to perfection in a savory broth.

It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or garden.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and yields a delicious, crowd-pleasing soup. The combination of protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and flavorful broth makes it both nutritious and filling.

Ready to dive into a pot of cozy goodness? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef minestrone soup is a fantastic recipe for several reasons. First, it combines the best of both worlds—the classic Italian vegetable soup and the satisfying richness of ground beef.

This makes it a complete meal in one bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Second, the recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

Want to make it vegetarian? Simply omit the beef and add extra beans or lentils.

The soup also freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.

Finally, it’s packed with nutrients. The mix of vegetables, beans, and lean protein offers a balanced combination of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, supporting overall health and wellness.

Plus, the fresh herbs and garlic add layers of flavor that will have your family asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup small pasta shapes (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Chef’s knife for chopping vegetables
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving
• Bowl for rinsing beans (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Trim and cut the green beans. Mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the cannellini beans.
2. Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add remaining vegetables and seasonings: Stir in the zucchini, green beans, dried oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the herbs release their flavors.
5. Add liquids and simmer: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine everything. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, uncovered.
6. Add beans and pasta: Stir in the rinsed cannellini beans and pasta shapes. Continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Adjust seasoning: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, sear the beef until caramelized before adding the vegetables. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few beans against the side of the pot and stir them in.”

• Vegetarian version: Omit the beef and use vegetable broth. Add extra beans or lentils for protein.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Use fresh herbs: Swap dried herbs for fresh oregano, basil, and thyme for a brighter flavor—add fresh herbs in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Swap pasta for grains: Try barley or quinoa instead of pasta for a gluten-free option.
• Slow cooker adaptation: Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This beef minestrone soup is fantastic served with a slice of crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up every last drop of broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely, balancing the richness of the soup.

For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each bowl or drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.

Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Conclusion

This beef minestrone soup recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with a hearty twist. It’s nourishing, full of flavor, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion.

Once you’ve made it, you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this soup is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe. Experiment with the vegetables and seasonings to suit your tastes, and don’t forget to share the warmth with family and friends.

For more comforting and delicious recipes, be sure to check out our other favorites like Classic Chicken Noodle Soup, Hearty Vegetable Stew, and Slow Cooker Beef Chili.

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