There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? It wraps around you like a cozy blanket, especially on chilly evenings. My hearty beef mince minestrone is one of those dishes that brings everyone together around the table—perfect for family dinners or a gathering with friends. I remember the first time I made this soup for my family; the aroma filled the house and drew them in like a magnet. We ended up sharing stories over bowls of this deliciousness, and I loved seeing everyone’s faces light up with each hearty spoonful. Trust me, this recipe is not just about the flavors; it’s about creating memories, too. So, let’s dive into making this hearty, nutritious meal that’s bound to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients List
Getting all your ingredients ready is the first step to making this delicious hearty beef mince minestrone. Trust me, having everything on hand makes the cooking process so much smoother! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup small pasta (any shape you have on hand)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! If you have some leftover veggies in the fridge, toss them in. It’s all about making this soup your own!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get into the fun part—cooking! Making this hearty beef mince minestrone is quite straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen pro by the time you’re done. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to brown it nicely, which adds so much flavor to your soup! This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s no longer pink—nobody wants that in their soup!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Stir everything together and let them cook for about 5-6 minutes until they’re softened. This step is crucial because it builds the base flavor of your soup—those sweet, tender veggies are going to make your minestrone shine!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Now, it’s time to infuse that garlic goodness! Add the minced garlic in with the veggies and cook for another minute, just until it’s fragrant. Then sprinkle in your oregano and basil. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking—I always encourage a little taste test at this stage!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, then add the green beans and zucchini. Give everything a good stir and raise the heat to bring it to a boil. This is where the magic begins! Once it’s bubbling, you can reduce the heat and let it simmer.
Step 5: Simmer and Cook the Pasta
Let your minestrone simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully. Once that’s done, add the small pasta and cook until it’s tender, about 10 more minutes. A quick tip: taste a piece of pasta to check for doneness—it should be al dente, not mushy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hearty beef mince minestrone is a fantastic choice for so many reasons! Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- Quick to make: You’ll have a warm, comforting soup ready in just 45 minutes.
- Easy to customize: Use whatever veggies or pasta you have on hand; it’s all about flexibility!
- Packed with nutrition: Loaded with fresh vegetables and lean beef, it’s a wholesome meal in a bowl.
- Kid-friendly: The flavorful broth and tender pasta make it a hit with the little ones.
- Perfect for leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, and it stores well in the fridge!
Trust me, once you try this minestrone, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To make sure your hearty beef mince minestrone turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, if you like your soup a bit thicker, you can mash some of the beans or tomatoes with a spoon to create a heartier consistency. Just be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants a paste!
When it comes to storing leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, leave out the pasta and add it fresh when you reheat; that way, it won’t become mushy. Just remember to label your containers with dates, so you know what’s what!
Lastly, don’t shy away from experimenting with flavors. A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate your minestrone to the next level. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a hearty bowl of hearty beef mince minestrone, it’s good to know what you’re fueling your body with! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a typical breakdown for one serving:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This soup is not only comforting but also a nutritious option that’s low in fat and packed with protein. Enjoy it guilt-free and feel good about what you’re serving to your family!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about making this hearty beef mince minestrone, so let’s tackle a few common ones!
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of beef, ground turkey or chicken works great too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have some of the vegetables?
No worries at all! This soup is super versatile. You can swap in any veggies you have on hand, like spinach, bell peppers, or even corn. Just chop them up and toss them in!
How should I store leftovers?
Let the soup cool completely before putting it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. You can also freeze it, but leave out the pasta; add that fresh when you reheat.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Definitely! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Hearty Beef Mince Minestrone: 5 Steps to Comfort Food Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty beef mince minestrone soup that’s easy to make and packed with vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup pasta (small shapes)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, green beans, zucchini, oregano, and basil.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use any small pasta you have on hand.
- Feel free to add any vegetables you like.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: hearty beef mince minestrone, beef soup, minestrone recipe
