Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of goodness on a chilly evening? Look no further! This hearty beef minestrone soup recipe is the perfect answer. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender beef, and a rich, flavorful broth, it's a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will love. It's one of those easy recipes that's perfect for a quick dinner, yet impressive enough for a special occasion. This homemade cooking masterpiece is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe makes about 6 servings of this delicious healthy meal. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni work well)
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Soup Perfection
This recipe is surprisingly quick to make, even though it tastes like it simmered all day!
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to your soup. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Return the beef to the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
Step 4: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the green beans, pasta, cannellini beans, and zucchini. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
Step 5: The Finishing Touches
Stir in the kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the minestrone soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. This is a wonderfully satisfying and healthy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Tips and Variations for Your Perfect Bowl
- For a richer flavor: Use bone-in beef shanks instead of stew meat.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the beef and add 1 cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch throughout the week.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
Enjoy this simple yet delicious beef minestrone soup recipe! It's a perfect example of how easy and satisfying homemade cooking can be. This is a recipe you'll want to add to your collection of best recipes. It's a truly versatile dish, easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs.