This is your traditional minestrone hodgepodge soup but with an above average twist . Great in a crock pot or left to simmer on the stove. Throw in your favorite pasta and you have a whole meal.
Possible Cooking Variations
Switch up the tomato: To give this soup a stronger flavor you can switch out the tomato for a can of Italian stewed tomatoes.
Switch up the Meat: Substitute Italian or turkey sausage.
Low Sodium: Discard the beef packet and replace 2 cups of water with low sodium beef broth or simply add less of the beef packet to reduce the sodium.
Vegetarian: Prepare without meat, if desired, add meat substitute.
Vegetable Overload: 10-15 minutes before the soup is done add 1-2 C. cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, leeks, cauliflower etc.