3 Bean Minestrone Soup Recipe

Minestrone soup is a timeless classic that has warmed the hearts and bellies of generations around the world. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home-a comforting blend of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and flavorful herbs simmered to perfection in a savory broth. But what if we took it up a notch? Enter the Three Bean Minestrone Soup, a delicious variation of the traditional Italian recipe. This version not only brings in the hearty goodness of beans but adds depth and texture, making every spoonful a satisfying experience.

The beauty of Minestrone soup is its adaptability. It’s the kind of dish you can tweak according to your preferences, seasonal availability of ingredients, or even the dietary needs of your family. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice, this recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is a bowl of rich, flavorful goodness. It’s the perfect meal for chilly evenings, a cozy lunch, or when you need something that feels nourishing but isn’t too heavy.

So, if you’re looking for a versatile, filling, and super flavorful soup, this Three Bean Minestrone recipe is the way to go!

Let’s dive into the star of the show-our Three Bean Minestrone Soup! This hearty, nutrient-packed soup combines a medley of beans-kidney beans, chickpeas, and cannellini beans-with fresh vegetables and savory herbs. Whether you’re serving it up as a main dish or as a side to your favorite bread, this soup won’t disappoint.

Ingredients Needed

To make this soup, you’ll need:

For The Soup Base

Olive Oil (2 tbsp)

A key component for sautéing the vegetables, olive oil brings a mild, fruity flavor that’s perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Onion (1 large, diced)

The onion adds a sweet and savory base, giving the soup that depth of flavor that’s impossible to skip.
Carrot (2 medium, peeled and diced)

Carrots add natural sweetness and color, balancing out the savory elements of the soup.
Celery (2 stalks, diced)

A classic addition to any soup for its crisp texture and fresh taste.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)

A burst of rich, aromatic flavor that will fill your kitchen as it cooks.
Zucchini (1 medium, chopped)

Zucchini adds a tender texture and subtle flavor to the mix.
Canned Tomatoes (2 cups, crushed or diced)

Tomatoes add acidity and richness, creating a nice contrast with the beans and veggies.

For The Beans

Kidney Beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)

Kidney beans are large and meaty, adding protein and fiber, and they absorb the flavors of the soup beautifully.
Chickpeas (1 can, drained and rinsed)

Chickpeas give the soup an extra layer of texture and a nutty flavor.
Cannellini Beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)

These creamy white beans are the perfect addition, contributing a smooth texture that balances the more robust kidney beans and chickpeas.

For The Broth & Seasoning

Vegetable Broth (6 cups)

Vegetable broth serves as the foundation of the soup, enhancing the flavors of the beans and vegetables.
Dried Oregano (1 tsp)

A classic herb that complements the richness of the beans and the freshness of the vegetables.
Dried Basil (1 tsp)

Basil brings in that fragrant, herbaceous note that’s quintessential in Italian dishes.
Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Always adjust the seasoning to your personal preference.
Bay Leaves (2 leaves)

Bay leaves add a subtle earthy aroma to the soup as it simmers.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional, ½ tsp)

If you enjoy a little heat, red pepper flakes will give the soup a gentle kick.

For Serving

Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

A sprinkle of fresh parsley will add color and brightness to the soup.
Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

The sharpness and saltiness of Parmesan cheese takes this soup to another level of deliciousness.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s break down how to bring this recipe to life step-by-step:

Prepare The Ingredients

Begin by dicing the onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Mince the garlic and drain and rinse the canned beans. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process a lot smoother.

Sauté The Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is crucial for building that deep flavor base.

Add The Zucchini And Tomatoes

Stir in the zucchini and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing it to soften. Then, add the canned tomatoes, along with their juices. Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down slightly.

Add The Beans And Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth, and add all three beans (kidney, chickpeas, and cannellini). Stir to combine.
Season with oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Drop in the bay leaves and give everything a good stir.

Simmer The Soup

Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the beans to absorb the savory broth.

Adjust Seasoning

After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, or a little extra basil depending on your flavor preferences.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Beans: Beans are the MVP of this soup. They’re not only a great source of plant-based protein but also rich in fiber, making this soup incredibly filling. Kidney beans bring a dense, hearty bite, chickpeas add a nutty flavor, and cannellini beans offer a creamy smoothness that rounds out the texture.
Tomatoes: The canned tomatoes in this recipe provide acidity, which balances out the earthiness of the beans. They also contribute a deep umami flavor, which is the secret behind the savory base of the soup.
Olive Oil: This is your base for sautéing and adds a lovely richness to the dish. Extra virgin olive oil is ideal because of its fuller flavor and health benefits-packed with antioxidants and healthy fats.
Herbs: Oregano and basil are staples in Italian cooking. Oregano has a robust, slightly peppery flavor, while basil adds a sweet, aromatic freshness that brightens up the dish.

Expert Tips

Add Greens: For an extra nutritional boost, throw in a handful of spinach or kale about 5 minutes before the soup is done simmering. This will add some leafy green goodness without compromising the texture of the soup.
Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil and oregano on hand, feel free to use them instead of dried. Fresh herbs pack a stronger punch and will make the soup taste even more vibrant.
Make It Heartier: Want a thicker soup? Use an immersion blender to purée a portion of the soup and then stir it back into the pot. This will create a richer, creamier texture.
Leftover Soup: Minestrone soup tastes even better the next day! The flavors continue to meld together, so it’s an excellent make-ahead meal. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations

Add Pasta: Traditional Minestrone often includes small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni. You can add ½ cup of pasta in the last 10 minutes of cooking to give the soup even more texture.
Swap Beans: Don’t have all three types of beans? No problem! Use any combination of beans you like-black beans, pinto beans, or navy beans would work wonderfully in this recipe.
Add Meat: For a meatier version, you could sauté some Italian sausage or pancetta with the onions and carrots at the beginning. This will infuse the soup with even more savory flavor.
Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a diced jalapeño with the garlic, or toss in a few more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.

Final Words

This Three Bean Minestrone Soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and full of flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food, packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it not only delicious but nourishing.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is a great way to get creative in the kitchen while keeping things healthy and satisfying. And the best part? You can always adapt it to suit your preferences, making it truly your own.

3 Bean Minestrone Soup Recipe