Name: So Simple Meaty Minestrone
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6
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

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.

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Directions

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

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

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).

Category: Ground Beef, Soups
Method: Cold Weather, Comfort Foods, Eating Well, Kid Friendly, Meals in 30 Minutes