Italian Noodle Soup
A hearty Italian noodle soup featuring tender beef, savory tomato flavors, and grated Romano cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the stew beef, chopped onions, and garlic slowly in olive oil.
- Add water and tomato paste to the browned meat mixture.
- Simmer until the meat is tender, about 2 hours.
- Add cooked noodles and stir gently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle grated Romano cheese over the soup before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the stew beef in red wine and herbs overnight. If you don't have Romano cheese, Parmesan can be a great substitute. For a quicker version, use pre-cooked noodles. Browning the meat slowly enhances the overall taste, so take your time with that step. This hearty soup is also perfect for using up any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian Noodle Soup hot, garnished with extra grated Romano cheese for a rich finish. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For something different, try serving it alongside a slice of Busy Day Lasagna or a side of Quick 'Stuffed' Shells for a family-friendly dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water if it thickens too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, but stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Avoid freezing, as noodles may become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Noodle Soup contains roughly 2240 calories, with 10g protein, 348g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (55% of the Daily Value) and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 756mg per serving (33% 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 use a different type of meat in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute the stew beef with chicken or even turkey for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; chicken will cook faster than beef, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
What kind of noodles work best for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for regular noodles, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as egg noodles or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. Just ensure they are cooked before adding them to the soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the beef with mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add more vegetables, like carrots and celery, for added flavor and texture.
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).