This hearty minestrone puts a fun, family-friendly spin on a classic Italian soup. Packed with veggies, ground beef and playful alphabet pasta, it’s thick, satisfying and hearty enough to serve as a main course. It’s the kind of cozy, comforting meal both kids and parents will happily dig into.
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) 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)
Directions
Cook beef, onion, garlic, frozen mixed vegetables, Italian seasoning and chili pepper flakes (if using) in Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until the meat is thoroughly cooked and any liquid has evaporated.
Add tomatoes, broth and tomato sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add spinach and parsley (if using). Stir in the pasta and beans (if using); simmer for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.
