Quick Italian Soup
A hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired soup combining ground beef, tomatoes, corn, zucchini, and cheesy goodness, perfect for a quick satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and stir ground beef and chopped onion in a Dutch oven until beef is browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the lasagne sauce mix, water, whole kernel corn (with liquid), whole tomatoes (with liquid), and grated Parmesan cheese; break up tomatoes with a fork. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
- Add noodles and sliced zucchini to the soup.
- Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like basil and oregano to the soup. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based meat alternative or double the zucchini and add other vegetables like bell peppers. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread, making it a comforting meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Rigatoni And Meat Sauce for a delightful Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water or broth to achieve your preferred consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Italian Soup contains roughly 296 calories, with 16g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. At about 296 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 different types of pasta in this soup?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests noodles, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer. Small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work well and cook quickly. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type used.
Can I freeze the soup for later use?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop, adding a bit of water if needed.
What can I add for more vegetables?
Feel free to add more vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or carrots to boost nutrition. You can add them when simmering the soup to cook them until tender. This will not only enhance the flavor but also provide a colorful presentation.
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).