A Cozy Pot of Italian Comfort

There’s something about a big pot of simmering vegetable soup that feels like home, especially on cool evenings when I want something filling yet wholesome. My Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup is exactly that a rustic, colorful mix of vegetables, beans, pasta, and herbs that brings warmth and comfort in every spoonful.

This minestrone soup recipe has been one of my favorite dishes to make when I crave a bowl full of texture and flavor. It’s rich without being heavy, nourishing yet deeply satisfying a perfect balance that makes it one of my all-time favorite cozy soup recipes. The best part? It’s versatile, family-friendly, and just as delicious the next day.

Why This Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

When I think of hearty soup recipes, this one always comes to mind. It’s packed with vibrant vegetables, tender beans, soft potatoes, and just enough pasta to make it feel complete. The tomato-based broth ties everything together with a subtle tang and sweetness that keeps you coming back for another spoonful.

This minestrone soup recipe is also wonderfully adaptable you can use whatever veggies you have on hand. I’ve made it countless ways, and it never disappoints. Some nights, I keep it vegetarian; other times, I add browned ground beef to turn it into a satisfying hamburger vegetable soup easy enough for busy weeknights.

If you love comforting bowls like this, you’ll also enjoy my creamy chicken and potato soup for something richer, or my spicy ramen noodle soup when you’re craving a little kick.

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What You’ll Need to Get Started

Main Ingredients

• Olive Oil – The start of any good Italian soup.
• Onion, Celery & Carrots – The classic base for flavor.
• Garlic – Adds warmth and depth.
• Potatoes – A bit of heartiness to balance the veggies.
• Zucchini & Green Beans – Bright and fresh for texture.
• Diced Tomatoes – The soul of every Italian soup.
• Cannellini or Kidney Beans – Creamy and filling.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth – A light, flavorful base.
• Dried Herbs – Italian seasoning, thyme, and bay leaf for that comforting aroma.
• Small Pasta (like ditalini) – Adds the perfect chew.

Optional Add-Ins

• Ground Beef – For a heartier version, turning it into a ground beef vegetable soup.
• Spinach or Kale – For an extra dose of greens.
• Parmesan Rind – Toss one into the pot while simmering for extra flavor.
• Crusty Bread – For dipping into the rich tomato broth.

How to Make It Step by Step

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   I start by heating olive oil in my favorite soup pot over medium heat. The moment the onions, carrots, and celery hit the pan, the kitchen fills with that cozy, savory aroma that makes me smile every time. I cook them until soft, about 5 minutes, then stir in the garlic.
2. Build the Base
   Next, I add diced tomatoes, broth, and all my seasonings a good pinch of Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and a bay leaf. The broth turns bright and fragrant almost instantly.
3. Add the Veggies and Beans
   I stir in the potatoes, zucchini, green beans, and cannellini beans. This mix gives the soup both texture and heartiness. I bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the Pasta
   About 10 minutes before serving, I stir in the pasta. It cooks directly in the broth, soaking up all that savory tomato flavor. If the soup thickens too much, I splash in a little extra broth.
5. Taste and Adjust
   I remove the bay leaf and give it a taste. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon for brightness or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for warmth. If I’m in the mood for something meatier, I stir in browned ground beef, turning it into a comforting hamburger vegetable soup.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   I ladle the soup into bowls, top with a bit of grated Parmesan, and serve it with warm bread on the side. The aroma alone is enough to gather everyone around the table.

Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup

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• Author: danyrecipes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and colorful vegetable minestrone soup filled with beans, pasta, and fresh veggies in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or healthy winter meals.

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Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)

1 potato, peeled and diced

1 zucchini, chopped

1 cup green beans, chopped

1 can cannellini or kidney beans, drained

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 bay leaf

½ cup small pasta (ditalini or shells)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: ½ lb ground beef, spinach, Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened.
2. Stir in garlic, diced tomatoes, broth, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Add potatoes, zucchini, green beans, and beans. Simmer for 20–25 minutes.
4. Stir in pasta and cook until tender.
5. Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning.
6. Serve hot with grated Parmesan and crusty bread.

Notes

To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth.

Add cooked ground beef for a heartier version.

Store leftovers up to 3 days; pasta may need extra broth when reheating.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 8
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 9
• Saturated Fat: 2
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 38
• Fiber: 7
• Protein: 11
• Cholesterol: 5

Variations You’ll Love

• Classic Minestrone – Keep it simple and let the veggies shine.
• Meaty Comfort – Add cooked beef for a heartier version of hamburger vegetable soup.
• Vegetarian Delight – Skip the meat and use vegetable broth for one of my favorite vegetarian soup recipes.
• Winter Warm-Up – Add extra potatoes, a splash of cream, or even pasta shells for one of those truly comforting winter soups.
• Healthy Twist – Use whole-grain pasta and extra greens for one of those guilt-free healthy soup recipes that still feels indulgent.

If you love experimenting with flavor, my tomato basil soup with grilled cheese croutons is another fun and cozy option. Or, for something naturally sweet and silky, try my butternut squash soup it’s the perfect balance of savory and smooth.

My Favorite Tips for the Perfect Bowl

• Layer Flavor Early – Sautéing the aromatics properly builds the best base.
• Don’t Rush the Simmer – The longer it cooks, the richer the flavor becomes.
• Cook Pasta Separately (if storing leftovers) – Keeps it from soaking up too much broth.
• Double the Batch – It freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or cold winter nights.
• Add Cheese Wisely – Stir in Parmesan just before serving for a creamy, salty finish.

This delicious soup is also one of those meals that improves the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s one of those rare dishes that’s hearty enough for dinner but still light enough for lunch.

The Bowl That Feels Like a Hug

Every time I make this minestrone soup, I’m reminded why I love cooking simple ingredients turning into something extraordinary. It’s rustic, filling, and bursting with color, texture, and flavor.

Whether you’re craving a potato soup recipe style heartiness, a vibrant vegetable-packed bowl, or just something that makes you feel good, this minestrone delivers. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth to the table and comfort to your day.

Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup with Potatoes

There are certain days when a salad just

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There are few things in this world more

Healthy Lentil and Vegetable Soup

There is a quiet strength in a bowl