Ground Beef Minestrone Soup is a hearty, Italian-inspired one-pot meal that combines the richness of ground beef with the wholesome goodness of vegetables, beans, and pasta. It’s like a cross between a vegetable soup and a pasta dish — full of flavor, texture, and color.
This version of classic minestrone adds protein-packed ground beef, giving the soup a more robust and satisfying depth. Each spoonful is bursting with tender veggies, savory beef, earthy beans, and al dente pasta in a flavorful tomato broth — making it a complete and comforting meal perfect for any day of the week.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this Ground Beef Minestrone Soup because it’s everything a cozy meal should be — hearty, nutritious, and bursting with flavor.
The combination of rich tomato broth, beefy goodness, and garden-fresh vegetables makes every bite comforting yet wholesome.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Hearty & filling: Loaded with beef, pasta, and vegetables for a satisfying meal.
- Rich Italian flavor: Savory broth infused with garlic, herbs, and tomatoes.
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, protein, and fiber.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
- Perfect for leftovers: Freezes beautifully and reheats like a dream.
Once you try this version of minestrone, you’ll never go back to canned soup again!
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 servings
- Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Course: Main Course / Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean, 85–90%)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini, macaroni, or shells)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1–2 cups chopped spinach or kale (optional, for added greens)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- A drizzle of olive oil
Simple Cooking Directions
- Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Add onion, garlic, and vegetables; sauté until softened.
- Stir in tomatoes, beans, broth, and seasonings.
- Simmer for 25–30 minutes.
- Add pasta and cook until tender.
- Stir in greens, season to taste, and serve hot.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 6–8 minutes).
- Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper.
- Sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
- Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes, beans, broth, and spices (Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper).
- Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
- Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
Step 5: Add Pasta
- Stir in the pasta and cook for another 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.
Step 6: Finish with Greens
- Add spinach or kale, and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 7: Serve
- Remove bay leaf, ladle soup into bowls, and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with garlic bread, toasted baguette slices, or Parmesan crisps.
- Pair with a simple Caesar salad or Caprese salad for a complete meal.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving for a touch of richness.
Additional Recipe Tips
- For a thicker soup, mash some beans or simmer uncovered to reduce the broth.
- Want it lighter? Skip the pasta or replace it with cauliflower rice or lentils.
- Add a Parmesan rind while simmering for incredible umami flavor.
- Use low-sodium broth and canned beans to control salt levels.
- Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving — it deepens the flavor!
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Minestrone: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño for a kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit beef and use vegetable broth — add more beans or lentils.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
- Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a silky texture.
- Slow Cooker Method:
- Brown beef first, then add all ingredients except pasta and greens to the slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Add pasta and greens during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled soup for up to 3 months (omit pasta if freezing; add fresh when reheating).
- Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warm.
Tip: For best texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving if freezing leftovers.
Special Equipment Needed
Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Storage containers (for freezing or leftovers)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken makes this soup lighter while still keeping it flavorful.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells hold up best in soup.
3. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta or substitute with rice or quinoa.
4. Can I make it in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef and cook vegetables, then pressure cook for 6 minutes. Add pasta after pressure release and simmer until tender.
5. Why is my soup too thick?
It’s likely the pasta absorbed too much liquid. Simply add extra broth or water while reheating.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Minestrone Soup is the ultimate comfort-in-a-bowl — a rich, flavorful, and nourishing meal that satisfies both your hunger and your soul. With its blend of savory ground beef, tender veggies, hearty beans, and comforting pasta, this dish is a family favorite that tastes like home.
