Beef and Vegetable Minestrone Soup

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, flavorful soup packed with lean beef, seasonal vegetables, and a tomato-based broth, perfect for a comforting meal. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs (680g) lean ground beef, olive oil, medium, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1.5 lbs lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced medium onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice), 4 cups low-sodium beef broth, 1 can (15 oz) drained cannellini beans, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup chopped kale, 1 cup diced zucchini, and 2 cups small pasta shells. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot with 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese per serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Beef and Vegetable Minestrone Soup take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Beef and Vegetable Minestrone Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (680g) lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beef and Vegetable Minestrone Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Beef and Vegetable Minestrone Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Beef and Vegetable Minestrone Soup?

Italian soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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