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Minestrone Soup Recipe with Ground Beef

Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe with Ground Beef That Tastes Like Grandma’s Kitchen

Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe with Ground Beef That Tastes Like Grandma’s Kitchen

There’s something magical about stepping into a kitchen where the smell of simmering soup fills the air. Growing up, one of my fondest memories was sitting at my grandmother’s table with a warm bowl of her hearty minestrone. She always made it meaty, packed with vegetables, and perfectly seasoned. Today, I’m sharing a minestrone soup recipe with ground beef that brings me right back to those days. It’s a blend of Italian comfort food and modern cooking convenience—you can prepare it on the stovetop, in a crockpot, or even the instant pot. Best of all, it’s easy to make, nutritious, and ideal for fast family dinners.

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Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe with Ground Beef That Tastes Like Grandma’s Kitchen

What Makes Minestrone the Ultimate Italian Comfort Food?

Minestrone soup has its roots in Italy, where families created this hearty dish with whatever seasonal vegetables they had on hand. Traditionally vegetarian, it’s been adapted in countless ways. When you add ground beef, the soup becomes richer, more filling, and incredibly satisfying. This version is perfect for anyone who loves minced meat dishes and wants a wholesome yet comforting meal on the table quickly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this homemade and delicious soup:

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (lean, 85/15 works great)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for lighter flavor)
  • 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

I love that this soup combines both pantry staples and fresh produce. The beef and pasta add a heartiness that makes it a complete meal in a bowl.

Step-by-Step Cooking Methods

Stovetop Version

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
  3. Stir in onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Add zucchini, green beans, canned tomatoes, and broth. Stir well.
  5. Season with oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  6. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  7. Stir in pasta and cook for another 8–10 minutes until al dente.
  8. Serve hot with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Crockpot Method

  1. Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic in a skillet before adding to the crockpot.
  2. Add all vegetables, beans, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
  3. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
  4. Stir in pasta 30 minutes before serving to avoid overcooking.

Instant Pot Method

  1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown ground beef with onion and garlic.
  2. Add vegetables, beans, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
  3. Seal and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
  4. Quick release, then stir in pasta and cook on sauté mode for 5–7 minutes until pasta is tender.

Why This Recipe is Easy, Healthy, and Perfect for Families

This soup is not just meaty and satisfying—it’s also packed with fiber from beans, vitamins from vegetables, and protein from ground beef. It’s a win-win meal: easy to make, healthy, and perfect for busy nights. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Amazon Kitchen Essentials I Recommend

Over the years, I’ve learned that having the right tools makes cooking not only easier but also more enjoyable. Here are a few of my favorites that pair perfectly with this recipe:

1. Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven

This 6-quart Dutch oven is a lifesaver for stovetop soups. It retains heat beautifully and gives your minestrone that rich, slow-simmered flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough for baking bread or roasting meat. Get the Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven here on Amazon and upgrade your soup game!

2. Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker

If you love the set-it-and-forget-it method, this crockpot is a must. It’s spacious enough for a big family batch, and the low-and-slow cooking method makes flavors meld together perfectly. Grab your Crock-Pot today on Amazon and enjoy effortless cooking!

3. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1

When time is short, the Instant Pot saves the day. From soups to stews, rice, yogurt, and more—it’s the most versatile kitchen tool I own. For weeknight minestrone, it’s unbeatable. Click here to shop the Instant Pot Duo on Amazon and make quick, delicious meals anytime.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Meaty Minestrone Soup

  • Use lean ground beef for less grease but maximum flavor.
  • Add a Parmesan rind during simmering for a deeper taste.
  • For a spicier version, sprinkle in more red pepper flakes.
  • Cook pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers—it prevents sogginess.

Variations to Try

  • Vegetarian: Skip the meat, double the beans, and use vegetable broth.
  • Turkey or sausage: Swap the beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice instead.
  • Extra-meaty: Mix ground beef with sausage for a bolder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious soup with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and a handful of fresh herbs on top. A side salad completes the meal, making it one of the best fast family dinners I know.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. If freezing, skip the pasta and add it fresh when reheating to keep the texture just right. Reheat on the stovetop for best results, or use the microwave for convenience.

Conclusion

This minestrone soup recipe with ground beef truly captures the essence of home cooking—comforting, nourishing, and full of flavor. Whether you make it on the stovetop, in the crockpot, or the instant pot, you’ll love how quick, easy to make, and versatile it is. For me, every spoonful is a reminder of evenings at grandma’s table, and I hope it brings the same warmth and joy to your family dinners.

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