Beef minestrone

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef stew meat (or ground beef)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans (or kidney beans), drained and rinsed
• 6 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini, elbow, or orzo)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat or ground beef, and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. If using ground beef, cook until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, oregano, basil, bay leaf, and zucchini. Stir well to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta

1. Stir in the cannellini beans and pasta. Continue simmering for another 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is tender. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Greens

1. Add the spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking, just until wilted.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve with crusty bread on the side, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Protein: ~22g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Fat: ~10g
• Fiber: ~6g

Tips:

• Make-Ahead: Minestrone is a great make-ahead soup. It often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.
• Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand—green beans, peas, or cabbage are great additions.
• Pasta Tip: If you plan to store the soup for later, cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup when serving to avoid soggy pasta.

Enjoy your warm and comforting Beef Minestrone!