Minestrone is a thick soup of Italian origin made with vegetables, often with the addition of pasta or rice, sometimes both. This version features alphabet pasta. Use rice instead for a gluten-free dish. With the addition of ground beef, this stew-like minestrone is hearty enough to be the main course. Both kids and parents will love this recipe.
MAKES 8 Servings - PREP TIME 15 min - COOK TIME 40 min - TOTAL TIME 55 min
Soup Ingredients
1 lb (500 g) Extra Lean Ground Beef Round or Sirloin or Extra Lean Ground Beef
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cup (750 mL) frozen mixed vegetables
1 ½ tsp (7 mL) dried Italian herb seasoning
¼ tsp (1 mL) chili pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (28 oz/796 mL) diced tomatoes
1 pkg (900 mL) gluten-free (if desired) sodium-reduced chicken broth
1 can (213 mL) tomato sauce
1 cup (250 mL) shredded fresh spinach (optional)
¼ cup (50 mL) chopped fresh parsley (optional)
½ cup (125 mL) broken whole wheat spaghetti or alphabet pasta
½ cup (125 mL) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
Cook beef, onion, garlic, frozen mixed vegetables, Italian seasoning, and chili pepper flakes (if using) in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until meat is thoroughly cooked and any liquid has evaporated.
Add tomatoes, broth, and tomato sauce; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add spinach and parsley (if using). Stir in pasta and beans (if using); simmer for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender. It's really THAT easy!
For original recipe, click here.