If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef, Vegetables, and Spinach Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It’s a wonderful medley of tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and cheesy tortellini swimming in a rich tomato broth, finished off with bright spinach and herbs. Every spoonful offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes that hug you from the inside out — perfect for a family dinner or meal prep that warms both the body and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly amazing about this recipe is how the simple yet essential ingredients come together to create such a complex and comforting flavor profile. Each component brings its own texture, color, and character to the soup, making it as joyful to make as it is to eat.
- Lean ground beef (1 lb.): Provides a flavorful and protein-packed base with a satisfying bite.
- Yellow onion (1 1/2 cups, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the broth as it softens.
- Celery (1 cup, diced): Brings a subtle crunch and aromatic freshness.
- Carrots (1 cup, diced): Offer natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Spinach (2 cups, roughly chopped): Lends a fresh earthiness and lovely leafy texture.
- Fresh parsley (3 Tbsp, minced): Enhances brightness and herbal notes throughout.
- Minced garlic (1 Tbsp): Introduces warmth and a subtle pungency that rounds out the flavors.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (3 cans, 14.5 oz each): Creates a savory, comforting liquid base without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Petite diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Adds a fresh, tangy texture and depth to the tomato flavor.
- Tomato sauce (3 cans, 8 oz each): Thickens and deepens the soup with rich tomato goodness.
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp): Helps sauté the aromatics perfectly while adding a hint of fruity richness.
- Italian seasoning (1 Tbsp): Packs classic Mediterranean herbs that make the soup truly comforting.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Cheese tortellini (9 oz package): The star pasta element, bringing cheesy, pillowy bites that soak up every bit of broth.
How to Make Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef, Vegetables, and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, and brown it thoroughly until no pink remains. This step develops a rich, meaty flavor essential to the hearty character of the soup. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving about 1 1/2 tablespoons of fat in the pot for sautéing the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In that reserved beef fat, toss in the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Cook them gently until they begin to soften and their natural sweetness comes out—about seven minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute to release its warm aroma without burning.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, then stir in the cooked ground beef. Season the pot with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook slowly with occasional stirring until the vegetables reach near tenderness, about 15 minutes. This slow bubbling melds all the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the Tortellini
This is a key step for maintaining perfect tortellini texture, especially if you’re making leftovers. Cook the tortellini separately in boiling water following package directions (usually 4 to 7 minutes), then drain and toss them with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking. If you’re serving the soup right away, feel free to add the tortellini directly to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Fresh Parsley
Finally, stir in the chopped spinach and minced parsley, cooking just until the greens are wilted and vibrant. This adds a lovely freshness and color contrast that lifts the entire dish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls, garnishing with extra parsley if desired. The result is a bowl of soulful comfort — cheesy tortellini, tender beef, hearty vegetables, and bright, fresh spinach all cozying up in a savory tomato broth.
How to Serve Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef, Vegetables, and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can enhance your tortellini soup beautifully. These simple touches amp up the flavor and give the soup a restaurant-quality feel.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks. A light mixed green salad with a zingy vinaigrette also balances the meal perfectly, adding extra freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or mason jars at a casual gathering. You could also layer the soup components in a clear glass bowl to showcase all the gorgeous colors before stirring it all together at the table. It’s such a crowd-pleaser visually and taste-wise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef, Vegetables, and Spinach Recipe stores really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the tortellini from getting soggy, it’s best to store the cooked pasta separately from the broth and add it back in when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup’s broth and vegetables (without the tortellini) for up to 3 months in airtight containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, heat gently, and then cook fresh or frozen tortellini separately to add just before serving.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add the tortellini only when the soup is almost hot. Stir in the spinach and parsley towards the end to retain their fresh flavor and vibrant color.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and offers a leaner option, though it has a milder flavor. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to boost the taste.
Is it necessary to cook the tortellini separately?
Cooking tortellini separately helps prevent it from becoming mushy, especially if you plan to store leftovers. However, if enjoying immediately, adding tortellini directly to the soup works just fine.
Can I substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach?
You can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water beforehand to avoid watering down the soup.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly. If you prefer some heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick.
What kind of cheese tortellini should I use?
Cheese tortellini filled with ricotta and Parmesan works best for a creamy texture. Feel free to experiment with other fillings, but the cheese variety complements the soup perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef, Vegetables, and Spinach Recipe enough if you’re looking for a fulfilling meal full of heart and flavor. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels homemade yet impressive, and it lovingly embraces you like a warm hug after a long day. So grab those ingredients and give it a try — your future self (and anyone you share it with) will thank you!
Print
Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef, Vegetables, and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Tortellini Soup combines lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and cheese-filled tortellini in a flavorful tomato broth, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal. The soup uses simple ingredients and requires simmering to develop rich flavors, making it an ideal dish for cozy lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 2 cups (2 oz) spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 3 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 (9 oz) pkg. cheese tortellini
Instructions
- Heat and brown beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef into chunks and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Turn and break up the beef, cooking until no longer pink. Transfer beef to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 1/2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
- Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onions, diced celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and return the cooked beef to the pot. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are nearly tender, about 15 minutes.
- Cook tortellini separately (for leftovers): If reserving soup for leftovers, reduce broth quantity to 4 1/4 cups. Cook the tortellini separately in boiling water for 4-7 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain and toss tortellini with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add tortellini and greens: If serving immediately, add the tortellini directly to the soup during the last 4-7 minutes of cooking. Stir in the spinach and parsley, and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra parsley if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- For leftovers, cook tortellini separately and add just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning and salt according to your taste preference.
- Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds extra flavor.
- This soup freezes well but store the tortellini separately if you plan to freeze leftovers.
