Name: Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup: Grandma's Beloved Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 6 cups beef broth; 1 cup ditalini pasta; 1 cup chopped carrots; 1 cup chopped celery; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Jump to Recipe

Oh, soup season! There’s just nothing like a steaming bowl of goodness on a chilly day, right? And trust me, you *need* this Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup in your life. It’s seriously the most flavorful, hearty, and easy-to-make soup I know. I’m talking total comfort food here!

Growing up, my grandma always had a pot of soup simmering on the stove. It was her way of saying “I love you,” you know? And this Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup? It totally reminds me of those cozy days in her kitchen. The aroma alone is enough to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It’s my go-to recipe when I want something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Everyone who tries my Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup raves about it!

Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Okay, so why is this soup so amazing? Let me break it down for you. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl!

Quick and Easy Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Seriously, you can whip this up in under an hour. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you just don’t have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen. Score!

Hearty and Flavorful Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

The combination of the beef, tomatoes, and herbs? It’s just *chef’s kiss*. This isn’t some wimpy, watery soup. It’s packed with flavor and will actually fill you up!

A Family-Friendly Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup Recipe

Kids love it! Adults love it! What more can I say? It’s a total crowd-pleaser. My picky eaters gobble it right up, and that’s saying something!

Comfort in a Bowl: Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Need a little pick-me-up? This soup is like a warm blanket on a cold day. It’s soothing, comforting, and just makes everything feel a little bit better.

Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too fancy here, just good, honest stuff that comes together to make something truly special. Trust me, the quality of your ingredients *does* make a difference!

The Ground Beef

You’ll want 1 pound of ground beef. I usually go for a leaner blend, but honestly, whatever you have on hand works! Just make sure to brown it up real good.

The Vegetables

Gotta have those veggies! You’ll need 1 onion, chopped (don’t worry about being perfect, just get it roughly chopped), 2 cloves of garlic, minced (I *love* garlic, so sometimes I add a little extra!), 1 cup of chopped carrots, and 1 cup of chopped celery. This mix gives the soup a great base flavor.

The Seasoning

Here’s where the magic happens! Grab 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or more, if you like a kick!). And of course, salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy!

The Base

For the liquid, you’ll need 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes and 6 cups of beef broth. I prefer low-sodium broth so I can control the saltiness myself.

The Pasta

The star of the show (besides the beef, of course!): 1 cup of ditalini pasta. These little guys are perfect for soup! If you can’t find ditalini, no worries, any small pasta shape will do.

The Topping

And last but not least, grated Parmesan cheese for serving! This is a MUST. It adds the perfect salty, cheesy touch. Don’t skip it!

How to Make Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, it’s super easy, even if you’re a total beginner. Just follow along and you’ll have a pot of delicious Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup in no time. Promise!

Browning the Ground Beef for Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

First things first, grab your biggest pot – you’ll need it! Throw in that 1 pound of ground beef and get it browning over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy soup!

Sautéing the Aromatics for Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Now, add in that chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook ’em until they’re softened and fragrant – about 5 minutes. Oh man, the smell is already amazing, right? That’s the magic of garlic and onions!

Adding the Seasonings and Tomatoes to Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for just a minute, letting those spices bloom and release their flavor. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes. Mmm, things are really starting to come together!

Simmering the Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. This is where the flavors really meld together, so don’t skip this step!

Cooking the Pasta and Vegetables in Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Add the ditalini pasta, carrots, and celery. Reduce the heat even more and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta and veggies are tender. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Seasoning and Serving Your Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and then ladle it into bowls. Top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. And that’s it! You’ve made Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup! Dig in and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Want to take your Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks. These little things can really elevate the flavor and texture, trust me!

Enhancing the Flavor of Your Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Okay, so a really good beef broth is key here. If you’re feeling fancy, use homemade! But if not, just grab a high-quality store-bought one. Or, here’s a secret: toss a Parmesan rind into the soup while it simmers! It adds a *ton* of umami flavor. Just remember to fish it out before serving!

Choosing the Right Pasta for Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

I love ditalini, but hey, sometimes you just don’t have it on hand. No biggie! Any small pasta shape will work. Think elbow macaroni, small shells, or even orzo. Just make sure it’s small enough to fit on a spoon!

Achieving the Perfect Consistency for Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Soup too thick? Add more broth! Soup too thin? Let it simmer a little longer, uncovered, to reduce the liquid. It’s all about personal preference here. I like mine somewhere in the middle – not too watery, not too gloopy!

Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup - detail 2

Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup, and it’s delicious! But what if you want to mix things up a bit? No problem! This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to get creative!

Adding Vegetables to Your Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Zucchini, spinach, kale… they all work great! Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they don’t get too mushy. My favorite is adding a handful of fresh spinach right before serving – it wilts down beautifully!

Spicy Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Feeling a little fiery? Crank up the heat! Add more red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce. Just be careful not to overdo it – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Using Different Proteins in Your Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Not a beef fan? No worries! You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage. If you use sausage, I recommend browning it first and draining off any excess grease – it can be a bit greasy otherwise!

Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup Variations

Adding Vegetables to Your Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Spicy Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Using Different Proteins in Your Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Serving Suggestions for Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Okay, so you’ve got a pot of amazing Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup… what do you serve with it? Here are a few ideas that I just *love* – they really complete the meal!

Bread

Crusty bread is a *must*! Seriously, you need something to soak up all that delicious broth. A good baguette or some Italian bread is perfect for dipping!

Salad

A simple green salad adds a nice, fresh contrast to the richness of the soup. Just some lettuce, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is all you need!

Grilled Cheese

Okay, hear me out… grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic combo, right? Well, this is basically a fancy tomato soup! A grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect cheesy, comforting sidekick to your Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup. Trust me!

Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup FAQs

Got questions about my Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup? I got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me. Don’t be shy, ask away if you have more!

Can I Freeze Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup?

Yep, you sure can! Just let it cool completely before popping it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. You might need to add a little extra broth when reheating, as the pasta can soak up some of the liquid.

How Long Does Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup Last in the Fridge?

If you’re not freezing it, your Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. It actually tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld together!

Can I Make Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! Just brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic like normal, then toss everything into your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, carrots, and celery. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the ditalini pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or until the pasta is tender. Easy peasy!

What Other Vegetables Can I Add to Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to add whatever veggies you like. Some of my favorites include zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, and even corn! Just add them during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.

Nutritional Information for Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup

Okay, so you wanna know the nitty-gritty, huh? I don’t have exact figures, but roughly, you’re looking at around 350 calories, 18g fat, 20g protein, and 30g carbs per serving. But hey, it’s just an estimate!

Enjoy Your Homemade Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup!

Alright, there you have it! My super easy and delicious Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup recipe! I really hope you give it a try. Seriously, you won’t regret it! And hey, if you do make it, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! I love hearing from you guys! Oh, and don’t forget to snap a pic and share it on social media – tag me so I can see your creations!