Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe 🥣
Overview:
Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish that’s hearty, comforting, and bursting with flavors. This recipe yields a delicious pot of soup that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying lunch. Packed with vegetables, beans, pasta, and tender beef, this one-dish meal is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal!
- Name: Minestrone Soup
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: 182.3
- Rating: 4.5 ⭐ (based on 4 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless beef roast
- 2 cups water
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 1/2 onions, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup frozen green beans
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup small shell pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients: In a soup pot, combine the boneless beef roast, water, beef bouillon cubes, chopped onions, diced celery, sliced carrot, bay leaf, basil, garlic powder, and thyme.
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Simmer the Soup: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.
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Add Tomatoes and Sauce: After an hour of simmering, add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine, then let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
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Incorporate Beans and Pasta: Next, add the frozen green beans and drained kidney beans to the pot. Also, add the small shell pasta. Stir everything together until well combined.
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Cook Until Tender: Bring the soup to a boil once again, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. This usually takes about 8 minutes.
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Season to Taste: Once the pasta is tender, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot minestrone soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil, if desired. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping and enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 182.3
- Fat: 3.2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 34.1mg
- Sodium: 523.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4.8g
- Sugar: 5.8g
- Protein: 17g
Recipe Notes:
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Customization: Feel free to customize this minestrone soup recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cabbage for extra nutrition and flavor.
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Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
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Freezing: Minestrone soup also freezes well. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the beef and beef bouillon cubes. You can replace them with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version of minestrone soup.
Enjoy this comforting bowl of minestrone soup packed with wholesome ingredients and rich flavors. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner with friends. Buon appetito! 🍲🥖