Beef Italian Soup
Hearty Italian-inspired beef soup with vegetables, beans, and pasta, offering rich flavors and comforting warmth—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ditalini macaroni until tender; drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; crumble and drain off excess fat.
- Saute chopped celery, chopped onion, and garlic powder in margarine until vegetables are tender; drain excess liquid if needed.
- In a large pot, combine cooked macaroni, browned beef, bean with bacon soup, drained kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, water, and salt.
- Heat the mixture until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the soup. If you don't have ditalini, any small pasta shape can work. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adding a splash of red wine during cooking will enhance the taste. For a heartier soup, throw in some diced carrots or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Beef Italian Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Quick, Easy, Delicious Italian Meat Balls for a more filling dinner. For a touch of freshness, garnish each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Italian Soup contains roughly 1932 calories, with 61g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (122% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and iron (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2206mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld. Just be sure to cook the pasta separately if you plan to reheat it later, as it can become mushy when stored with the soup.
What can I use instead of bean with bacon soup?
If you can't find bean with bacon soup, you can replace it with a combination of baked beans and a bit of bacon or ham for that smoky flavor. Alternatively, use a flavorful vegetable or tomato soup and add some cooked bacon separately.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).