Oh, there’s just nothing like a big pot of hearty soup simmering on the stove, is there? Especially when it’s cold outside! And trust me, THIS beef minestrone soup is where it’s at. I’ve been tweaking this recipe for years, trying to get it just right – you know, that perfect balance of savory beef, tender veggies, and a rich, flavorful broth that just warms you from the inside out.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to throw together. Seriously, it’s weeknight-friendly! Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. My family practically inhales it, and I always get requests for the recipe. So, I figured it was time to share my secret for the best, most delicious
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Why You’ll Love This Beef Minestrone Soup

Quick and Easy Beef Minestrone Soup

Seriously, you can whip this up after a long day. Minimal chopping, mostly just letting it simmer! Weeknight win, right?

Hearty and Flavorful Beef Minestrone Soup

This isn’t your watery, bland soup. We’re talking rich beef broth, savory ground beef, and yummy herbs. It’s SO satisfying!

Packed with Vegetables in Beef Minestrone Soup

I sneak in all sorts of veggies, so you’re getting a big dose of goodness without even trying. It’s basically a health hug in a bowl!

The Ingredients for Beef Minestrone Soup

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic happens. I always say, the better the ingredients, the better the soup! So, let’s gather everything we need for this amazing beef minestrone. Don’t worry if you don’t have *everything* on hand, you can totally make substitutions (more on that later!). But trust me, this combo? It’s perfection.

Meats and Fats in Beef Minestrone Soup

First up, we need 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter – the good stuff! It really adds richness, you know? Then, a pound of lean ground beef. I usually go for 90/10, but really anything works. Just drain off any extra fat after browning!

Vegetables and Herbs in Beef Minestrone Soup

Alright, veggie time! You’ll want 1 cup of yellow onion, diced. About 2 cups each of diced carrot, celery, and zucchini. For herbs, we’re doing 5 leaves of fresh sage, minced (fresh is best here!), and 3 cloves of garlic, also minced. Plus, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Oh! And a half-teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little kick! Don’t forget 2 cups of romano beans and one 14.5-ounce can of diced cherry tomatoes, undrained. Finally, we’ll use 4 cups of water as our base.

Equipment Needed for Beef Minestrone Soup

Okay, before we get started, let’s make sure we have everything we need! You’ll want a big soup pot or Dutch oven, a cutting board, a good knife, and a wooden spoon. That’s it! Simple, right?

How to Make Beef Minestrone Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where you’ll turn those simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious beef minestrone soup in no time! And hey, don’t stress about being perfect. Cooking should be fun!

Sautéing the Base of the Beef Minestrone Soup

First, grab your soup pot and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and shimmery (ooh, pretty!), toss in that diced onion. Sauté it for about 3-5 minutes, until it’s softened and translucent. You don’t want it to brown too much, just get nice and tender. Now, add in your ground beef. Break it up with your wooden spoon and cook it for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s browned all over. Make sure to drain off any extra grease – nobody wants a greasy soup!

Adding Aromatics and Seasoning for Beef Minestrone Soup

Okay, this is where things get REALLY good! Add your minced sage and garlic to the pot. Sauté for just about 30 seconds, until you can really smell that amazing garlic-sage aroma. Careful not to burn the garlic, though! Burnt garlic is no fun. Next, stir in your kosher salt, dried basil, dried oregano, and those red pepper flakes. Give it all a good stir to coat the beef and veggies. Mmm, smells delicious already, doesn’t it?

Simmering the Beef Minestrone Soup to Perfection

Now, dump in the rest of your ingredients: the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, romano beans, and those yummy cherry tomatoes (undrained!). Pour in 4 cups of water. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for a whole hour. Yes, an hour! That’s how all those flavors meld together and create that amazing beef minestrone soup taste. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! Just check it every once in a while to make sure it’s not sticking to the bottom. And that’s it! You’ve made beef minestrone soup!

Tips for the Best Beef Minestrone Soup

Wanna take your beef minestrone soup from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my favorite tricks! First, don’t skimp on the simmer time. That long, slow simmer is KEY for flavor. Also, taste as you go! Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking. And finally? A sprinkle of fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top is *chef’s kiss*! Trust me on this one!

Beef Minestrone Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic beef minestrone soup. Awesome! But what if you wanna mix things up a little? No problem! This recipe is super adaptable. Try adding different veggies like spinach or kale. Or, swap out the romano beans for cannellini beans. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, a swirl of pesto on top is *divine*! Don’t be afraid to experiment, it’s your soup now!

Serving Suggestions for Beef Minestrone Soup

Okay, so you’ve got a big pot of delicious beef minestrone soup… now what? Well, I always love serving it with a hunk of crusty bread for dipping – yum! A simple side salad is also a great addition. Or, for a heartier meal, try grilled cheese sandwiches! Seriously, the cheesy, melty goodness with the savory soup? It’s a match made in heaven!

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Minestrone Soup

Can I use different types of beef in this beef minestrone soup recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef is my go-to, but you could totally use ground turkey or even Italian sausage for a different flavor. Just make sure to drain off any extra grease! You could even use stew meat, just brown it first before adding the other ingredients. So many options!

How do I store leftover beef minestrone soup?

Super easy! Just let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. But honestly, it’s usually gone way before then at my house!

Can I freeze beef minestrone soup?

Yep! This soup freezes like a dream. Let it cool, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave a little room at the top, since liquids expand when frozen. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat!

Storing and Reheating Your Beef Minestrone Soup

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This beef minestrone soup tastes even BETTER the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. When you’re ready for round two, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for Beef Minestrone Soup

Okay, let’s talk numbers! Each serving (about 1.5 cups) of this hearty beef minestrone soup clocks in at approximately 350 calories. You’re also looking at about 18 grams of fat, 22 grams of protein, and 25 grams of carbohydrates. There’s also around 6 grams of fiber, which is awesome! But, keep in mind, these are just estimates! It all depends on the exact ingredients you use. And hey, who’s counting anyway? Just enjoy!

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Enjoy Your Beef Minestrone Soup!

Alright, dig in and enjoy! And hey, if you make this, be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe! I’d love to hear what you think!