Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that's both easy to make and packed with nutrients? Look no further than this hearty Minestrone Soup with Ground Beef! This classic Italian soup is a perfect example of simple homemade cooking, transforming humble ingredients into a truly delicious dish. It's a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and adaptable enough to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Get ready to enjoy a warm bowl of comfort food that's both healthy and incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Soup: Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Add the ditalini pasta, cannellini beans, green beans, and zucchini. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
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Bring to a Boil: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Best Minestrone:
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your minestrone will be greatly enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Don't overcook the vegetables: Overcooked vegetables will become mushy. Aim for tender-crisp vegetables.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as spinach, potatoes, or corn.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Minestrone: Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add a cup of cooked lentils or other beans for extra protein.
- Spicy Minestrone: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Hearty Minestrone: Add other grains like barley or farro for extra heartiness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 8-10 grams
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and a wonderful way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal. This minestrone soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy your culinary creation!