Minestrone, that warming soup traditionally packed with vegetables, beans and pasta, can be a hearty appetizer to any meal or a filling entree on its own. Try the classic recipe with kidney beans and crushed tomatoes, or check out one of our favorite twists on this comforting dish, featuring gnocchi, ground beef or dill for added flavor.

Winter Minestrone (pictured above)

Giada De Laurentiis adds pureed cannellini beans to her minestrone to create a thick broth without any cream.

Minestrone with Parmigiano-Reggiano

In this recipe featured in Food Network Magazine, Bobby Flay upgrades his minestrone with sauteed smoky pancetta and fresh greens, and he tops it all off with nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano for salty, savory flavor.

Minestrone with Gnocchi

Food Network Magazine’s top-rated recipe calls for store-bought gnocchi instead of pasta noodles; these filling potato dumplings turn traditional minestrone into a satisfying meal.

Beef and Cannellini Bean Minestrone

Many minestrone recipes call for chicken or vegetable stock, but Giada’s comforting recipe uses beef broth and lean ground beef for a richer flavor.

Dill Minestrone Soup

In this recipe from Food Network Magazine, the bright flavor of fresh dill mixes with salty Canadian bacon and tangy Worcestershire sauce for a balanced, satisfying dish.

Minestrone Soup with Pasta, Beans and Vegetables

This minestrone recipe is the ultimate in easy prep: Just add ingredients to the slow cooker, let it work its magic and add the pasta for the last half-hour of cooking.

Minestrone Soup

Featured in Food Network Magazine, this 5-star soup recipe puts pantry ingredients like canned tomatoes and beans to work, and it takes only 45 minutes to make.