Skip to main content

Minestrone Soup

This satisfying vegetable soup is full of veggies, beans and pasta.
Cooking for a Crowd

Cooking for a Crowd

Use these recipe sheets to prepare for larger groups:

Kid friendly
Bowl of vegetable and macaroni noodle soup.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, diced
1 large carrot, sliced
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large potato, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) chopped tomatoes with juice
2 cans (15 ounces each) low-sodium broth (see Notes)
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon basil
½ cup uncooked macaroni
2 small zucchini, sliced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. In a 5 quart saucepan over medium heat, cook onion, celery and carrot in oil, stirring constantly until onion is soft, but not browned.
  4. Add potato, tomatoes, broth, beans and basil.
  5. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Add macaroni and zucchini. Simmer for another 15 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Broth can be made at home, purchased in a can or box, or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
  • Use any vegetables you have on hand.
  • Add cooked meat if desired.
  • Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 ½ to 1 ¾ cups drained beans.

Comments

This Minnestrone Soup is a favorite among kids! Whenever I make this yummy recipe, they always ask for more!

Husband and kid approved!  It's great with ground beef too :)

Very easy to make, and another one of those recipes where I usually have all the ingredients lying around.  I make this soup, with the Whole Wheat Quick Bread, and feel like Mom of the Year (within her budget, even!)!

So delicious and so simple! LOVE this recipe!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Salsa Chicken
Large bowl of shredded chicken covered in salsa and served over rice.

Salsa Chicken

Shredded chicken has never been easier to prepare and have on hand. Make an endless number of go-to meals from two simple ingredients and a slow cooker.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
6 to 8 hours
Makes:
6 cups
Not Your Everyday Apples
Bowl of baked apple chunks with raisins and cinnamon.

Not Your Everyday Apples

Apples are baked to perfection with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and raisins.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
West African Peanut Soup
Bowl of creamy soup with a tomato and peanut base with vegetables and chicken.

West African Peanut Soup

A quick-to-make soup recipe with warm curry spices, chicken breast and a hint of red pepper.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Cherry Scones
Photo of Cherry Scones

Cherry Scones

Warm and buttery treat combining whole-wheat flour, tart cherries and buttermilk. Perfect for breakfast or on the go.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
10 scones
Jollof Rice
Big bowl of Jollof Rice shown served with plantains and beans.

Jollof Rice

This flavorful variation of a West African favorite includes brown rice, tomatoes, onions, peppers, broth and seasonings. Thanks to the OSU Extension African Heritage Work Group for this recipe.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
55 to 60 minutes
Makes:
8 to 9 cups
No-Knead Whole-Wheat Bread
slices of bread from a rustic loaf

No-Knead Whole-Wheat Bread

This recipe uses a long rise time instead of kneading to make a whole-grain bread with nice texture and flavor.
Prepare:
20 minutes + 13 hours rising
Cook:
50 minutes
Makes:
20 pieces