Description
A hearty, comforting Italian soup with ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato broth, ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 7 oz)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3/4 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned with no pink spots, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in canned diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Add Italian seasoning and stir. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Let the soup simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes to meld flavors and reduce broth slightly, stirring occasionally. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Add small pasta directly to the simmering soup. Cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Turn off heat. Stir in fresh parsley or basil if using. Ladle soup into bowls and serve.
Notes
Brown the beef well for best flavor. Simmering the soup allows flavors to meld and broth to deepen. Use small pasta shapes for best texture. Adjust seasoning at the end. Add fresh herbs last for brightness. To add veggies, toss in baby spinach or zucchini cubes near the end. For leftovers, reheat gently with broth to loosen soup. Avoid freezing with pasta; freeze soup base separately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximatel
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: Italian soup, ground beef soup, pasta soup, one-pot meal, quick dinner, weeknight soup, hearty soup