Chunky Italian Soup
A hearty Italian-inspired soup packed with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and pasta. Its rich flavors and comforting warmth make it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying combination of savory, herbaceous, and slightly spicy notes that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and chopped onion in a large pot until browned; drain any excess fat.
- Stir in Italian tomatoes, tomato soup, water, minced garlic, salt, basil, oregano, and chili powder. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes.
- Add drained kidney beans and chopped carrot; continue simmering for another 15 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rotini noodles and heat through.
- Serve hot in bowls, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, sauté the garlic with the onion after the beef is browned to enhance its flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. You can also use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole ones for a chunkier texture. Adjust the spices to your taste; Italian recipes often benefit from a touch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chunky Italian soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. It pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, try serving it alongside Simple Manicotti or an Italian-style garlic bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Italian Soup contains roughly 1027 calories, with 35g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (272% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (177% of the Daily Value), and iron (109% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2255mg per serving (98% 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 actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving and consider adding a bit more broth if it thickens too much.
What can I use instead of rotini noodles?
You can substitute rotini with any pasta shape you prefer, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or even whole wheat options. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to keep it al dente.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onions. You could also use spicy Italian sausage in place of the ground beef for an extra kick, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
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).