Name: Hearty Ground Beef and Tomato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup minced onion; 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 garlic cloves); 28 oz crushed tomatoes (low or no sodium); 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 4 cups low sodium beef broth; 2 cups water; 2 cups reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles (about 5 oz); For serving: 1/4 cup ricotta cheese (optional); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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This comforting Ground Beef and Tomato Soup is a satisfying meal full of flavor, with tender ground beef, a rich tomato base, and hearty pasta. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly day or whenever you crave something warm and filling. With its mix of herbs and spices, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and hearty: The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta makes this soup filling and satisfying.
Packed with flavor: With aromatic garlic, herbs, and spices, this soup has a rich, savory depth.
Easy to make: Simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process make this a go-to meal that you can whip up quickly.

Hearty Ground Beef and Tomato Soup

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ButcherBox Ground Beef
½ cup minced onion
2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 garlic cloves)
28 oz crushed tomatoes (low or no sodium)
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional – omit if you don’t like spice or add to taste at the end)
4 cups low sodium beef broth
2 cups water
2 cups reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles (about 5 oz)

For serving:

¼ cup ricotta cheese (optional)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

directions

Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté the aromatics: Add the minced onion and garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the tomatoes and spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Add the broth and water: Pour in the beef broth and water, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cook the pasta: Add the pasta to the pot, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. (If you are using broken lasagna noodles, they may need a bit longer to cook.)
Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for more heat.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with ricotta and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Make it lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
Vegetarian version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Add veggies: Stir in some chopped carrots, celery, or spinach to boost the vegetable content.

storage/reheating

To store: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little extra water or broth if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can substitute with any small pasta like elbow macaroni, shells, or penne.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just be sure to store it in an airtight container.

3. Can I use a different kind of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken will work, or you could use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.

4. How do I make the soup spicier?

You can add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.

5. Can I make this soup without the pasta?

Yes! You can make it without pasta for a lower-carb option or substitute with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

6. Is this soup gluten-free?

It’s not gluten-free if you’re using regular pasta. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute with gluten-free pasta.

7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You’ll need about 6 medium tomatoes, peeled, chopped, and blended, to replace the crushed tomatoes.

8. How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.

9. Can I add cheese to the soup?

Yes! Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone for a cheesy, creamy soup base.

10. What other herbs can I use in this soup?

You can also add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage for an earthy flavor to the soup.

Conclusion

This Hearty Ground Beef and Tomato Soup is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. With its rich tomato base, tender ground beef, and savory spices, it’s a comforting meal that can be made in just about 35 minutes. Serve it with a dollop of ricotta and Parmesan cheese for an added creamy touch, and it will quickly become a family favorite.

Chef MARTHA