I love making this Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup when I want a hearty, comforting meal that brings big flavor to the table. It combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs in a rich, satisfying broth. For me, it’s the perfect one-pot dinner that feels cozy and filling without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this soup comes together in just one pot, which makes cleanup simple and stress-free. The ground beef adds richness, while the pasta makes it hearty enough to serve as a complete meal.
I also enjoy how flavorful the broth becomes as it simmers with Italian herbs, tomatoes, and garlic. It tastes like something that has been cooking all day, even though it’s ready in under an hour.
When I need a dependable family-style dinner that everyone enjoys, this recipe never disappoints.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
4 cups beef broth
1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier version)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Directions
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I heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. I drain excess fat if needed.
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I stir in the diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
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I add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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I sprinkle in the oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
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I pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, then bring the soup to a gentle boil.
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I reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.
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I stir in the pasta and cook until tender according to package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes.
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If I want a creamier soup, I stir in the heavy cream at the end and let it heat through.
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I serve it hot, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if I like.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
I sometimes substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for a slightly different flavor. If I want extra vegetables, I add spinach, zucchini, or green beans during the simmering stage.
For a spicier version, I stir in red pepper flakes. When I prefer a tomato-forward broth, I add a spoonful of tomato paste for deeper richness. I also enjoy using whole wheat pasta for a heartier texture.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so I often add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating.
To reheat, I warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short intervals until heated through.
If I plan to freeze it, I prefer to freeze the soup without the pasta and cook fresh pasta when serving to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare it earlier in the day and reheat it before serving. The flavors deepen as it rests.
What type of pasta works best?
I like using small pasta shapes such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells because they cook quickly and are easy to eat in soup.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, I simply skip the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The soup is still rich and flavorful without them.
How do I keep the pasta from getting too soft?
If I expect leftovers, I cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls before serving.
Can I add beans to this soup?
Yes, I sometimes add white beans or kidney beans during the simmering step for extra protein and texture.
Conclusion
I find this Italian Ground Beef Pasta Soup to be the perfect balance of hearty and comforting. It’s simple to prepare, full of classic Italian-inspired flavors, and satisfying enough to serve as a complete meal. Whenever I want something warm and nourishing, this soup is always a favorite in my kitchen.
