Ingredients
Main Soup
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce or tomato puree
⅓ cup tomato paste (about half a 6-ounce can)
4 cups chicken broth
1–2 cups water (to adjust consistency)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked)
Suggested Toppings
½ cup ricotta cheese
2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or shredded
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat the Pot – Warm olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Beef and Aromatics – Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Base Ingredients – Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and pasta.
4. Simmer – Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
5. Adjust Consistency – Stir in additional water or broth if soup becomes too thick.
6. Serve – Top individual servings or the whole pot with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and chopped parsley.
7. Storage – Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
8. Reheating – Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra liquid to maintain a soupy texture.
Notes
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.
Crushed tomatoes make the broth thicker.
Marinara sauce with added water can replace canned tomato products.
No-boil lasagna noodles work—just break them into small pieces before adding to the soup.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Add extra broth or water to restore consistency. Heat on the stove over medium until hot.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Sprinkle extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes for a flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American, Italian