Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef, Vegetables, and Spinach Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 71 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This hearty Tortellini Soup combines lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and cheese tortellini in a savory tomato-based broth with Italian seasonings. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s easy to prepare and offers a delicious balance of protein, greens, and pasta.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 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

Broth and Seasonings

  • 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
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pasta

  • 1 (9 oz) pkg. cheese tortellini


Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground 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 Tbsp of fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onions, diced celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook until vegetables start to soften, about 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
  3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and cooked beef. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally until vegetables are nearly tender, about 15 minutes.
  4. Prepare Tortellini for Leftovers (Optional): If reserving soup for leftovers, reduce broth to 4 1/4 cups. Cook tortellini separately in boiling water for 4-7 minutes following package instructions. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Add Tortellini and Greens: If cooking soup for immediate serving, add tortellini directly to the soup during the last 4-7 minutes of cooking. Stir in spinach and parsley, cooking until wilted, about 1 minute. For leftovers, add tortellini separately when reheating.
  6. Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra parsley if desired for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • When making leftovers, keep tortellini separate to avoid overcooking and mushiness when reheating.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels according to taste.
  • Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can substitute with dried if needed—use about 1 tsp dried parsley instead of fresh.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • The soup freezes well but add tortellini fresh when reheating for best texture.