If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, then you’re in for a treat with this delightful Tortellini Soup. It’s bursting with rich flavors, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and vibrant veggies, making it a deliciously satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort: This Tortellini Soup wraps you in warmth and coziness with every sip.
- Easy Weeknight Dinner: Quick to make, it’s perfect for those busy, bustling evenings.
- Flavorful Layers: Each ingredient adds depth, from the robust Italian seasoning to the creamy cheese tortellini.
- Versatile: Adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences, it’s a recipe everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the backbone of our Tortellini Soup, creating a harmony of flavors and textures. Each one plays an essential role, ensuring that every bite is as satisfying as the last.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef for a deeper flavor.
- 1 lb. lean ground beef: Provides heartiness and a savory foundation.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion: Sweetens and enriches the broth as it cooks.
- 1 cup diced celery: Brings freshness and a slight crunch.
- 1 cup diced carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic: Infuses the soup with aromatic depth.
- 3 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth: The base for our lovely soup, bringing all flavors together.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes: Adds a tangy, luscious texture.
- 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce: Rounds the flavors with its smooth, rich body.
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning: A blend that ties all ingredients into a symphony of flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing taste.
- 1 (9 oz) pkg. cheese tortellini: The star of the dish, adding cheesy goodness.
- 2 cups (2 oz) spinach, roughly chopped: A nutritious hit that brightens the bowl.
- 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley: Garnishes and adds fresh, peppery notes.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this Tortellini Soup! It’s a wonderfully flexible recipe that welcomes your unique spin, making it easy to adapt to personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Vegetarian Version: Simply replace the ground beef with extra veggies or plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a warming, spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute cheese tortellini with low-carb pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter alternative.
How to Make Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the beef into chunks and let it cook until it’s beautifully browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. This initial searing enhances the beef’s flavor dramatically.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Transfer the browned beef to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping 1 1/2 tablespoons of fat in the pot. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté them until they start to soften, about 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and let it sauté for an additional minute, releasing its heavenly aroma.
Pro Tips for Making Tortellini Soup
- Beef Browning Mastery: Ensure high heat when browning the beef to lock in flavor and juices.
- Flavor Infusion: Sauté the aromatics until soft to extract their maximum flavor.
- Tortellini Tip: Cook tortellini separately if planning for leftovers, to prevent sogginess.
- Herb Enhancement: Add fresh parsley last to maintain its vibrant, fresh flavor.
How to Serve Tortellini Soup
Garnishes
For added elegance and a pop of color, sprinkle extra fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese over your Tortellini Soup just before serving. This not only looks inviting but also enhances the flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this comforting Tortellini Soup with a side of crusty bread or a light Caesar salad. The bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth, while the salad adds a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Tortellini Soup in rustic, wide-rimmed bowls to showcase its colorful ingredients. You can also add a drizzle of pesto or a spoonful of garlic butter on top for an extra layer of flavor and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Tortellini Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3–4 days for optimal flavor and freshness.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the soup, do so without the tortellini to prevent it from becoming mushy. Simply add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating the soup.
Reheating
Reheat your Tortellini Soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’ve kept the tortellini separate, add it during the last few minutes of reheating for the best texture.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you absolutely can! Use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes in place of the canned ones for a fresher flavor.
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Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Certainly! Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or legumes for added texture and protein.
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What can I do to make my soup thicker?
For a thicker broth, add a tablespoon of flour to the sautéed vegetables and stir well before adding the liquids.
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Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well too. Thaw and drain excess water before adding it to the soup.
Final Thoughts
Ready to dive into a bowl of comfort? This Tortellini Soup is sure to become a regular on your menu with its warming flavors and ease of preparation. Give it a try, and let it fill your home with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy!
Print
Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American/Italian American
Description
A hearty and flavorful tortellini soup simmered with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tender cheese tortellini, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 2 cups (2 oz) spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
Optional – For Separate Tortellini Cooking
- Extra olive oil (for tossing cooked tortellini)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes.
- Cook the beef: Turn and break up the beef, continuing to cook until no longer pink. Transfer the beef to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 1/2 Tbsp of fat in the pot. If desired, add 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil and drain excess fat.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until starting to soften, about 7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook: Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked beef, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are nearly soft, about 15 minutes.
- Cook tortellini: Add the tortellini directly into the soup and simmer according to package instructions (about 4-7 minutes). Alternatively, cook the tortellini separately in boiling water, toss with olive oil, and add to soup when serving.
- Finish with greens and herbs: Stir in chopped spinach and fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- For leftovers, cook tortellini separately and add to the soup when reheating to prevent overcooking.
- To intensify flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- This soup can be customized with other herbs like basil or oregano for different variations.
- Garlic can be adjusted according to personal preference for more or less intensity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
