If you are craving a comforting bowl of goodness that warms both your heart and soul, look no further than this delightful Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe. Imagine tender cheese tortellini swimming in a flavorful broth packed with savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant Italian herbs. This soup not only satisfies your hunger but also delivers a satisfying combination of textures and colors in every spoonful. It’s a perfect dish for cozy dinners, family meals, or whenever you need a nourishing hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients will make this soup a standout. Each component plays a crucial role—from the hearty ground beef that adds depth, to the fresh vegetables that bring sweetness and crunch, and the cheese tortellini that offers a comforting bite. Together, they create a balanced, wholesome dish that’s simple yet incredibly flavorful.
- Lean ground beef (1 lb.): Provides rich, savory flavor and satisfying protein to the soup.
- Chopped yellow onion (1 1/2 cups): Adds natural sweetness and a fragrant base for the broth.
- Diced celery (1 cup): Brings a subtle crunch and earthy notes for texture contrast.
- Diced carrots (1 cup): Offers sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the soup.
- Spinach, roughly chopped (2 cups): Adds a fresh green element and essential nutrients.
- Minced fresh parsley (3 Tbsp): Imparts a bright herbal freshness that lifts the flavors.
- Minced garlic (1 Tbsp): Gives a warm, aromatic kick that complements the other ingredients.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (3 cans, 14.5 oz each): Creates the flavorful, comforting liquid base.
- Petite diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Adds acidity and texture with small bursts of tomato flavor.
- Tomato sauce (3 cans, 8 oz each): Enhances the richness and consistency of the broth.
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp): Used for sautéing and adding a smooth mouthfeel.
- Italian seasoning (1 Tbsp): A blend of herbs that harmonizes all the flavors beautifully.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance.
- Cheese tortellini (1 pkg., 9 oz): The star pasta component, offering a delightful and cheesy bite.
How to Make Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook until it starts to brown, around 3 minutes. Keep turning and breaking up the meat until it’s no longer pink. This process builds a savory base that will flavor the entire soup. Once browned, transfer the beef to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving behind some of the fat to cook the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onions, diced celery, and carrots. Sauté these fragrant vegetables for about 7 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to let its aroma bloom without burning.
Step 3: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, petite diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, stirring everything together with the browned beef. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender — about 15 minutes of good simmering magic.
Step 4: Prepare the Tortellini
Here’s a handy tip for leftovers: Cook your tortellini separately in boiling water for 4 to 7 minutes according to package instructions, then toss with olive oil to keep them from sticking. If you’re serving fresh soup right away, you can skip this step and add the tortellini directly to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Add Tortellini and Greens
Gently stir in the cooked or uncooked tortellini along with the chopped spinach and fresh parsley. Allow the greens to wilt completely, which usually takes about a minute. This last step adds freshness and a quick nutrient boost to the hearty, comforting soup.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and get ready to dive into a bowl full of cozy, robust flavors. A final sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that makes this Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe even more inviting.
How to Serve Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a burst of herbal brightness to each bowl. For a touch of indulgence, a bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully atop the hot soup, adding a salty creaminess glow that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs incredibly well with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls to soak up every last drop. A crisp, simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, making your meal feel complete and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in charming mugs or rustic bread bowls to amp up the cozy factor. For dinner parties, you can portion the soup into small cups as an elegant first course or appetizer to impress your guests with both taste and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To avoid the tortellini becoming mushy, store it separately from the broth if possible.
Freezing
You can freeze the broth and vegetable mixture (without the tortellini) for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and add freshly cooked tortellini before serving to maintain the perfect texture and flavor in every bite.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding reserved tortellini at the end and spinach to wilt. Stir frequently to warm the soup evenly and bring back that fresh, just-made taste you love.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey will give a lighter taste while still providing protein. Just brown it as you would the beef, and you might want to adjust seasonings slightly to suit your preference.
Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well and is very convenient. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to prevent excess water from diluting the soup’s flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute ground beef with hearty beans or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. The soup will still be flavorful and filling.
How long does it take to cook the tortellini separately?
Most cheese tortellini cook in about 4 to 7 minutes in boiling water; following package directions will give you the best results to keep the pasta perfectly tender.
Why is it recommended to cook tortellini separately for leftovers?
Cooking tortellini separately prevents it from soaking up too much broth and becoming overly soft or mushy when stored, helping maintain its texture and the soup’s overall quality.
Final Thoughts
This Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening, yet comes together easily enough to enjoy any night of the week. Its vibrant colors, layered flavors, and heartwarming ingredients make every spoonful a joy. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and find it becomes a beloved staple in your home, just as it is in mine!
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Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Tortellini Soup combines lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and cheese tortellini in a flavorful tomato-based broth. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it features nutritious spinach and parsley for added freshness. The recipe involves sautéing, simmering, and optional separate cooking of tortellini for leftovers, ensuring a rich and satisfying dish in about 50 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 2 cups (2 oz) spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 3 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat and brown beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef into chunks and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Turn and break up the beef, cooking until no longer pink. Transfer beef to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 1/2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
- Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onions, diced celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, petite diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and the cooked ground beef. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook while stirring occasionally until the vegetables are nearly tender, about 15 minutes.
- Cook tortellini separately for leftovers: If preparing leftovers, reduce the broth quantity to 4 1/4 cups. Cook the cheese tortellini separately in boiling water for 4 to 7 minutes according to package instructions, then drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add tortellini and greens to soup: If cooking and serving immediately, add the tortellini directly into the soup during the last 4 to 7 minutes of cooking to let it absorb flavors. Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and minced parsley, cooking until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra fresh parsley to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Notes
- For leftovers, cook tortellini separately and add when reheating to avoid overcooking and mushy texture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef for a lighter option.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste preferences, especially if using different broth types.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
