CHEESY TORTELLINI SOUP WITH GROUND BEEF: A HEARTY AND COZY RECIPE

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup. This Cheesy Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s loaded with flavor. With tender cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, a rich tomato-based broth, and aromatic Italian seasonings, this soup is the perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TORTELLINI SOUP

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, cheese, and pasta, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the cheesy tortellini and savory flavors.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients or add veggies to make it your own.
• Pairs Well with Sides: Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

INGREDIENT BREAKDOWN AND WHY THEY WORK

Ground Beef (1 lb)

• Adds a hearty, savory base to the soup. Opt for lean ground beef (85/15) to avoid excessive grease.

Onion (1 small, diced)

• Provides sweetness and depth of flavor, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

• Aromatic and savory, garlic enhances the overall flavor of the soup.

Beef Broth (4 cups)

• Forms the rich, savory base of the soup. Low-sodium broth is ideal so you can control the saltiness.

Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz)

• Adds texture and a slightly sweet and tangy tomato flavor.

Tomato Sauce (1 can, 8 oz)

• Thickens the broth and enhances the tomato flavor, making the soup rich and hearty.

Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon)

• A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds a classic Italian flavor profile.

Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon)

• Reinforces the garlic flavor and adds depth to the broth.

Cheese Tortellini (9 oz)

• The star of the soup! Fresh or frozen cheese-filled tortellini cooks quickly and adds a creamy, cheesy element.

Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped)

• Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbal brightness to the soup.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

• Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to suit your taste preferences.

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS: HOW TO MAKE CHEESY TORTELLINI SOUP WITH GROUND BEEF

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

• Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned (about 5-6 minutes).
• Add 1 small diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
• Drain any excess grease to prevent the soup from becoming too oily.

Step 2: Add Broth and Tomatoes

• Stir in 4 cups beef broth, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add the Tortellini

• Stir in 9 oz cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically 5-7 minutes, until the tortellini is tender.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired, and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness!

TIPS FOR THE BEST TORTELLINI SOUP

1. Use Fresh or Frozen Tortellini
   • Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and has a soft texture, while frozen tortellini is a great option for convenience and storage.
2. Drain the Beef
   • To avoid a greasy soup, be sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef after browning.
3. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini
   • Add the tortellini just before serving and cook until tender. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy.
4. Customize the Broth
   • For a creamier version, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
5. Make It Ahead
   • You can prepare the soup base (without tortellini) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the tortellini and cook fresh when reheating.

VARIATIONS TO TRY

1. Vegetable Tortellini Soup
   • Add diced zucchini, spinach, or kale for extra vegetables. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
2. Spicy Tortellini Soup
   • Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Creamy Tortellini Soup
   • Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or cream cheese to make the broth rich and creamy.
4. Chicken Tortellini Soup
   • Replace the ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked chicken for a lighter option.
5. Sausage Tortellini Soup
   • Use Italian sausage (mild or spicy) instead of ground beef for added flavor.
6. Low-Carb Version
   • Skip the tortellini and add cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH TORTELLINI SOUP

Pair this hearty soup with sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp and tangy salad complements the richness of the soup.
• Crusty Baguette: Use a crusty baguette to soak up every drop of the delicious broth.
• Grated Parmesan: Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra cheesiness.

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS

1. Storage:
   • Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating:
   • Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup thickens after refrigeration, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out.
3. Freezing:
   • If you plan to freeze the soup, do so without the tortellini (to prevent it from becoming mushy). Freeze the soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and cook the tortellini fresh.

FAQS ABOUT TORTELLINI SOUP

1. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes! Chicken broth will result in a slightly lighter flavor, but it works perfectly fine in this recipe.

2. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.

3. Can I use meat-filled tortellini?

Yes, meat-filled tortellini works just as well and adds extra protein to the dish.

4. Can I cook this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet, then transfer to a slow cooker with the broth, tomatoes, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the tortellini during the last 30 minutes.

5. How do I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker broth, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the simmering step.

6. Can I add cheese on top?

Absolutely! Grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese is a fantastic topping for this soup.

7. What type of tomatoes should I use?

Canned diced tomatoes work best for this recipe. You can also use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra flavor.

CONCLUSION

This Cheesy Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef is the ultimate cozy and hearty meal, perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something comforting. It’s quick to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and loved by the whole family. Whether you keep it simple or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this soup is guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Pair it with garlic bread, sprinkle it with Parmesan, and enjoy every spoonful of this flavorful, cheesy delight.

Happy cooking! 😊

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