Hearty Beef Minestrone Soup
Minestrone is a thick soup of Italian origin made with vegetables, often with the addition of pasta or rice, sometimes both. This version features alphabet pasta. With the addition of ground beef this stew-like minestrone is hearty enough to be a main course. Both kids and parents will love this recipe.

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 meat is thoroughly cooked and any liquid has evaporated.
Add tomatoes, broth and tomato sauce; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add spinach and parsley (if using). Stir in pasta and beans (if using); simmer for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Ingredients
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 meat is thoroughly cooked and any liquid has evaporated.
Add tomatoes, broth and tomato sauce; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add spinach and parsley (if using). Stir in pasta and beans (if using); simmer for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.