So Simple Meaty Minestrone

This soup is ready in a snap with Big Batch Beef in the freezer. You can substitute 1/2 lb (250 g) lean ground beef if you like, browning in a pan with 1/2 onion (diced) and adding to soup.

 

Yields6 Servings
Prep Time5 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time20 mins
 1 cup (250 mL) Big Batch Beef (recipe follows)
 2 cans (540 mL EACH) diced Italian-style stewed tomatoes
 2 cups (500 mL) frozen mixed vegetables
 2 cups (500 mL) water or chicken stock/broth
 1 can (540 mL) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
 ¾ cup (175 mL) alphabet pasta or broken spaghetti pasta
1

Combine beef, tomatoes, vegetables, water or stock and kidney beans in saucepan; heat to simmer.

2

Stir in pasta; simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 10 to 15 minutes.

3

Big Batch Beef: In large deep skillet, cook 4 lb (2 kg) Ground Beef using medium-high heat for 9 to 10 minutes, breaking into small chunks with back of spoon, until browned and completely cooked. Drain in colander. Return to skillet and add 4 EACH onions and cloves garlic, minced; simmer for 12 to 15 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Spread mixture in single layer on several foil-lined baking trays; cover loosely with plastic wrap and freeze just until meat is firm (about 1 hour). Loosen frozen beef into small chunks; scoop meal-sized portions into freezer bags or sealable containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Makes 10 cups (2.5 L).

Ingredients

 1 cup (250 mL) Big Batch Beef (recipe follows)
 2 cans (540 mL EACH) diced Italian-style stewed tomatoes
 2 cups (500 mL) frozen mixed vegetables
 2 cups (500 mL) water or chicken stock/broth
 1 can (540 mL) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
 ¾ cup (175 mL) alphabet pasta or broken spaghetti pasta

Directions

1

Combine beef, tomatoes, vegetables, water or stock and kidney beans in saucepan; heat to simmer.

2

Stir in pasta; simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 10 to 15 minutes.

3

Big Batch Beef: In large deep skillet, cook 4 lb (2 kg) Ground Beef using medium-high heat for 9 to 10 minutes, breaking into small chunks with back of spoon, until browned and completely cooked. Drain in colander. Return to skillet and add 4 EACH onions and cloves garlic, minced; simmer for 12 to 15 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Spread mixture in single layer on several foil-lined baking trays; cover loosely with plastic wrap and freeze just until meat is firm (about 1 hour). Loosen frozen beef into small chunks; scoop meal-sized portions into freezer bags or sealable containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Makes 10 cups (2.5 L).

So Simple Meaty Minestrone