Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that's both easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than this hearty Minestrone Soup recipe! This classic Italian soup is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your taste and what you have on hand. And the best part? We're adding a boost of protein and richness with the addition of meat! This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch. It's a fantastic example of healthy meals that don't sacrifice flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, crumbled)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is a crucial step for building flavor.
Brown the Meat:
- Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. If using sausage, ensure it's fully cooked before proceeding.
Simmer the Soup:
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, pasta, green beans, and zucchini. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Season and Serve:
- Stir in the fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Minestrone:
- For a richer flavor: Use homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Start checking for doneness a couple of minutes before the recommended cooking time on the package. Overcooked pasta will make the soup mushy.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as diced potatoes, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Minestrone: Omit the ground beef and add 1 cup of chopped mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
- Spicy Minestrone: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Chicken Minestrone: Substitute 1 pound of cooked and shredded chicken for the ground beef.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 350-400 (depending on ingredients used)
- Protein: Around 20-25g
- Fat: Around 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-50g
This easy recipe is a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying Minestrone Soup – a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest! It's among the best recipes for a healthy and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.