With respect, I would not have called this minestrone.
While minestrone isn’t a fixed recipe, I would say that without beans, it can’t be called a minestrone at all. I’m okay with substituting rice for pasta. But without beans, hamburger soup this may be, but minestrone, it isn’t.
From a box sold in San Antonio, Texas.
Minestrone Hamburger Soup
1 pound ground meat
1 c. diced onion
1 c. cubed raw potatoes
1 c. sliced carrots
1/2 c. diced celery
1 c. shredded cabbage
1 sm. can tomato sauce
1/4 c. rice
1 sm. bay leaf
1/3 t. thyme
1 leaf basil
4 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1 1/2 qt. water
Brown meat slightly. Add vegetables and water. Bring to boil. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer 1 hour. Add other vegetables, if desired.