There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of hearty beef mince minestrone, especially on a chilly evening. This rich, flavorful soup is not only packed with tender beef and vibrant vegetables, but it also delivers a nutritional punch that can keep you feeling full and satisfied. I remember the first time I made this dish—it was one of those rainy days where all I wanted was something warm to wrap my hands around. As the aroma filled my kitchen, I knew I had hit on something special. The combination of savory ground beef, fresh veggies, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in those veggies without anyone noticing! So, grab your ingredients and let’s dive into this deliciously nourishing bowl of love!

Ingredients List

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

How to Prepare Hearty Beef Mince Minestrone

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the ground beef. You’ll want to break it up with a wooden spoon while it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and once it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, carefully drain any excess fat. This step is crucial to keep the soup hearty but not greasy!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Next, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onions become translucent, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn; it can turn bitter and ruin the flavor! Stir frequently, and you’ll know you’re on the right track when your kitchen starts to smell heavenly.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Now it’s time to add the diced carrots, celery, and zucchini. Stir them in and let them cook for about 5 minutes. You want them to soften just a bit but still maintain some crunch. This step adds amazing texture and flavor to your minestrone, so don’t rush it!

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, chopped green beans, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering process allows all those flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, savory broth that’s oh-so-satisfying.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Once your soup is bubbling away, it’s time to add the small pasta. Toss it in and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which is usually around 8-10 minutes. Remember to taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed. You want every spoonful to be packed with flavor!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, serve your hearty beef mince minestrone hot, garnished with fresh basil. This adds a lovely touch of color and a burst of freshness to every bowl. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist diving right in!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this hearty beef mince minestrone is estimated to provide about 350 calories, with 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It’s a wholesome meal packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any day of the week. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
• Loaded with nutritious veggies and protein, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.
• Quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Rich, comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out.
• Easily customizable to suit your taste buds or what you have on hand.
• A family-friendly recipe that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Tips for Success

To elevate your hearty beef mince minestrone, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning! Taste as you go, and feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. When it comes to pasta, choose small shapes like ditalini or mini shells, as they hold onto the broth beautifully. If you want to make it a bit heartier, adding canned beans like cannellini or kidney can up the protein and fiber. Lastly, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten up the flavors at the end—don’t skip that last touch!

Variations of Hearty Beef Mince Minestrone

One of the best things about hearty beef mince minestrone is how easily it adapts to your preferences! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try substituting ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also mix in seasonal vegetables like spinach, kale, or even sweet potatoes for added nutrition and flavor. For a vegetarian twist, replace the beef with lentils or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs and spices—adding a dash of smoked paprika or fresh oregano can give your minestrone a unique flair. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To store your hearty beef mince minestrone, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep! If you want to save it for later, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to get that perfect consistency back!

Serving Suggestions

To make your hearty beef mince minestrone experience even more delightful, consider serving it alongside crusty garlic bread or a warm, buttery baguette for dipping. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl just before serving—it melts beautifully and enhances that savory goodness! And don’t forget, a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate the entire dish, adding a luscious finish that you’ll love!

Hearty Beef Mince Minestrone: 5 Steps to Comforting Flavor

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Hearty beef mince minestrone is a rich and flavorful soup packed with vegetables and protein.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup pasta (small shape)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent.
3. Add carrots, celery, and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, green beans, and Italian seasoning.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add beans for extra protein and fiber.
• Use seasonal vegetables for variety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: hearty beef mince minestrone, minestrone soup, beef soup, Italian soup