Hearty Minestrone Recipe 🍲
Overview:
This Hearty Minestrone recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s versatile too, allowing you to use whatever spaghetti sauce or protein you have on hand. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a hearty meal to satisfy your hunger, this minestrone will hit the spot!
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 2 quarts
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can green beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1/4 cup kidney beans (optional)
- Note: You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences and what you have available.
Instructions:
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Sauté Ground Beef and Onion: In a large heavy saucepan, lightly sauté the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat. Sprinkle with salt to season.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: Once the beef and onion are lightly browned, add the spaghetti sauce, drained green beans, drained corn, sliced carrot, and water to the saucepan. If you’re using kidney beans, add them as well. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
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Simmer: Allow the minestrone to simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and all the flavors have melded together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve: Once the minestrone is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
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Enjoy: Gather around the table with your loved ones and enjoy this hearty minestrone together. It’s comforting, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite!
Tips:
- Customize Your Minestrone: Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping out ingredients or adding your favorite vegetables. You can also substitute sausage for the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Extra Water: If you prefer a thinner broth, you can add extra water to the minestrone until you reach your desired consistency.
- Make-Ahead: This minestrone reheats well, so consider making a double batch and saving the leftovers for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Serve with Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a side of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this hearty minestrone, allowing you to soak up every last bit of the delicious broth.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 474.7
- Fat: 20.9g
- Saturated Fat: 7.6g
- Cholesterol: 79.5mg
- Sodium: 1804.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 44.3g
- Fiber: 8.9g
- Sugar: 19.6g
- Protein: 27.6g
Conclusion:
With its simple preparation, wholesome ingredients, and comforting flavors, this Hearty Minestrone is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every spoonful. Enjoy the warmth and goodness of homemade minestrone whenever you need a quick and delicious meal option! 🥄🍅