There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of soup, especially when the weather turns chilly. My go-to recipe for a hearty beef mince minestrone brings back so many fond memories of family gatherings, where laughter and warmth filled the air. As a child, I remember my grandmother stirring her big pot of minestrone on the stove, the aroma wafting through the house and making everyone feel right at home. This soup is not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl! With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s the perfect meal for those cozy nights in. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a wonderful choice for anyone looking to nourish their loved ones without the fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand for all those chilly evenings ahead!
Ingredients List
To whip up my delicious hearty beef mince minestrone, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound beef mince (ground beef works great)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to use your favorite brands or any fresh veggies you have on hand. Cooking is all about making it your own! Enjoy the process!
How to Prepare Instructions
Making my hearty beef mince minestrone is as comforting as the soup itself! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Brown the beef mince: In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of beef mince and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5–7 minutes. You want that rich flavor to develop!
- Add your veggies: Toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Cook these together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent. Oh, the smell is divine!
- Stir in the liquids: Next, add the 14 oz can of diced tomatoes and 4 cups of beef broth. Give it all a good stir to combine. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Add the finishing touches: Now it’s time to add the chopped green beans, 1 cup of small pasta, and seasonings like 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together!
- Let it simmer: Bring your minestrone to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking the pasta—nobody likes mushy noodles!
Once it’s all cooked, don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This soup is so satisfying and packed with flavor; you’ll find yourself going back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—this hearty beef mince minestrone is ready in just 45 minutes!
- It’s easy to make, perfect for cooks of all skill levels; you really can’t mess it up!
- Versatile with ingredient substitutions, so you can tailor it to your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.
- Comforting and filling, making it an ideal choice for family meals that warm the soul.
- Packed with nutrients and flavor, it’s a wholesome dish that everyone will enjoy.
- Great for leftovers and meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
Tips for Success
To ensure your hearty beef mince minestrone turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh produce not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful color to your soup. Look for vibrant carrots, crisp celery, and fragrant garlic to make your minestrone shine.
- Taste as you go: Don’t be shy about tasting your soup before serving. Adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if needed. It’s essential to find that perfect balance of flavors!
- Watch the pasta: Keep a close eye on the pasta cooking time. You want it to be tender but not mushy. A little undercooked is okay since it will continue to soften as it sits in the soup.
- Add a fresh touch: Just before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top. It adds a lovely burst of color and a fresh flavor that brightens the whole dish!
With these tips, you’re set up for success in making a delicious and comforting minestrone that your family will love!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up, there are plenty of delightful ways to customize your hearty beef mince minestrone! Here are a few ideas:
- Ground turkey: For a lighter option, try substituting the beef mince with ground turkey. It’s just as delicious and a bit healthier!
- Extra veggies: Don’t hold back on the vegetables! Adding diced zucchini or a handful of fresh spinach can boost the nutrition and flavor.
- Diverse pasta shapes: Switch things up by using different pasta shapes or even whole grain options. It can add a fun twist to your minestrone!
- Vegetarian version: To make it vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth and replace the beef with legumes like lentils or chickpeas. You won’t miss the meat at all!
These variations ensure that your minestrone can adapt to your taste and dietary needs while still delivering that comforting goodness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious hearty beef mince minestrone is super easy, and it keeps wonderfully! Just transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy the comforting flavors again soon! When it’s time to reheat, simply pour your minestrone into a pot on the stove. Heat it over medium-low, stirring occasionally, and if it looks a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of broth to loosen it up. You can also use the microwave—just be sure to cover it to prevent splatters. Enjoy your cozy bowl of soup anytime!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for my hearty beef mince minestrone per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to adjust according to your dietary needs and preferences!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I often hear about my hearty beef mince minestrone, along with helpful answers:
- Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely! This minestrone freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
- How can I make it spicier? If you’re in the mood for a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while it simmers. You can adjust the heat to your taste!
- What can I serve with this soup? This minestrone is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. It makes for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy!
- Can I make it in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Just brown the beef mince and add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6–8 hours, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready when you are.
These tips will help you make the most of your hearty beef mince minestrone experience!
Print
Comforting Hearty Beef Mince Minestrone for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A warm and comforting beef mince minestrone soup that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef mince
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup pasta (small shapes)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the beef mince over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and beef broth.
- Add the green beans, pasta, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a lighter option.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for more nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: hearty beef mince minestrone, comforting soup, easy recipe
