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My Grandma's BEST Minestrone Soup
4.5 from 252 votes

My Grandma's BEST Minestrone Soup

My Grandma's BEST Minestrone Soup is a hearty blend of bacon, fresh vegetables, pasta, beans, and Parmesan cheese simmered in beef stock. This soup balances smoky, savory, and fresh flavors with tender potatoes and pasta for a filling and comforting meal.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 8 -10
Calories: 327 kcal
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 4-5 lices Bacon , roughly sliced into bite size pieces
  • 1 small onion , chopped
  • 1 cup carrot chopped
  • ⅔ cup leek white part only, chopped
  • ⅔ cup celery chopped
  • 3 quarts beef stock , (12 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 2-3 chunks Parmesan cheese rind
  • 1 ½ cups potato
  • 1 cup macaroni small size
  • 1 15- ounce diced tomatoes canned
  • 1 15- ounce red kidney beans rinsed and drained, can
  • ⅔ cup peas thawed, frozen
  • 1 ½ cups Parmesan Cheese grated

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the bacon to a large dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat and cook until browned but not crispy.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, leeks and celery then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the beef stock, kosher salt, pepper, and cheese rinds. Bring to a boil then reduce to a gently rolling simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, partially covered with a lid.
  4. Add the potatoes, macaroni, and tomatoes, then partially cover with the lid, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes more.
  5. Add the kidney beans and peas, and simmer until warmed through. Taste for seasoning and adjust to your taste.
  6. Just before serving, add the grated Parmesan cheese and serve sprinkled with more Parmesan if you’d like.

Notes

  • For the broth, homemade beef stock can be used to deepen flavor or alternatively vegetable broth for a lighter version.

Nutrition Information

Calories 327kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 36g (12%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 24mg (8%) Sodium 1608mg (67%) Potassium 1276mg (27%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 3155IU (63%) Vitamin C 18mg (20%) Calcium 306mg (31%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 -10

Amount Per Serving

Calories 327

% Daily Value*

Calories 327kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 36g 12%
Protein 23g 46%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 24mg 8%
Sodium 1608mg 67%
Potassium 1276mg 27%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 3155IU 63%
Vitamin C 18mg 20%
Calcium 306mg 31%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.