Hearty Italian-Style Soup
A hearty and flavorful Italian-style soup packed with tender vegetables, beans, and savory meat, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans beef broth ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped carrot
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can white kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked beef or chicken
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine beef broth, shredded cabbage, undrained tomatoes, cubed potatoes, chopped carrot, chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
- Cover and cook for about 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the drained white kidney beans and chopped cooked beef or chicken.
- Divide the soup among 6 airtight containers or freezer containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. If you don’t have white kidney beans, great northern or cannellini beans work as substitutes. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor, so feel free to add basil or oregano as well. Adjust the Italian seasoning according to your taste for a more pronounced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Hearty Italian-Style Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Italian recipes such as Asparagus Lasagne or Chicken Mozzarella for a delightful dinner spread. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally for even warmth.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Italian-Style Soup contains roughly 483 calories, with 10g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), potassium (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned. Use about 4-5 medium tomatoes, chopped. Just be sure to add a bit of extra liquid, like water or broth, to maintain the soup's consistency, as fresh tomatoes may not have as much liquid as canned ones.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just ensure it cools completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the beef broth with vegetable broth and omitting the meat. For added protein, include more beans or lentils. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying!
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).