Looking for the ultimate comfort food? My Ravioli Soup combines tender pasta pillows with a rich tomato broth that'll warm you right up. I stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week and now it's become my go-to dinner savior. The best part? It brings together cheese stuffed ravioli swimming in a flavorful Italian inspired broth with perfectly seasoned beef and veggies. My family begs for this one on chilly evenings.
Why You'll Love This Soup
Trust me this soup is a total game changer in the kitchen. After years of running my cooking blog I know what busy families need. This one pot wonder comes together so fast you'll have time to actually sit and enjoy dinner. The combo of pasta and beef makes it super filling without being heavy. My readers tell me their kids gobble it up without complaints about eating vegetables. Plus the leftovers taste even better the next day perfect for lunch boxes.
Everything You Need
- Ground beef: This gives the soup that wonderful hearty texture my family loves.
- Crushed tomatoes: I always keep these in my pantry they make the most wonderful rich broth.
- Tomato paste: My secret weapon for deep tomato flavor.
- Onions: Sweet onions work best in this recipe.
- Fresh parsley: Adds such a lovely fresh pop of flavor.
- Garlic cloves: I love using fresh garlic the flavor cannot be beat.
- Dried basil: Brings that classic Italian warmth to the dish.
- Sugar: Just a pinch balances everything perfectly.
- Dried oregano: Another must have Italian herb in my kitchen.
- Onion salt: This adds an extra layer of savory goodness.
- Dried thyme: Gives a subtle flavor that ties everything together.
- Cheese ravioli: I grab mine from the refrigerated section at my local store.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Fresh grated makes all the difference.
- Minced fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top makes it picture perfect.
Let's Make It Together
- Step 1: Create Your Flavorful Base
- Grab your favorite Dutch oven or big soup pot and brown your ground beef over medium heat until it's nicely crumbled about 5 to 7 minutes. After draining the fat toss in your water crushed tomatoes tomato paste onions parsley garlic and all those wonderful seasonings. Watch it come to a boil then turn down the heat let it simmer covered for 30 minutes. This is when magic happens the flavors meld and the onions become perfectly tender.
- Step 2: Add the Star Ingredient
- Now for the fun part! Cook your ravioli following the package timing then add them to your gorgeous soup. Give it a good stir then sprinkle in that Parmesan cheese it makes everything extra creamy and delicious. I love finishing with a scatter of fresh parsley on top it looks so pretty served at the table.
Make It Your Own
Some nights I switch things up using spicy Italian sausage instead of beef it adds such amazing flavor. When I'm feeling indulgent I stir in a splash of cream right at the end pure heaven! My garden overflowing? I toss in whatever veggies I have on hand. Zucchini green peppers and baby spinach work beautifully in this soup. Each version brings something special to the table and my family never gets bored. Play around with it and find your favorite way to serve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup base ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the ravioli just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
The soup base freezes well for up to 3 months. However, it's best to add fresh ravioli when reheating as frozen pasta can become mushy.
- → What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- → Can I use different types of ravioli?
Yes, you can use any type of ravioli you prefer. Spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled ravioli work well in this recipe. Just follow the package cooking instructions.
- → How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can add mushrooms or vegetables for extra flavor. Make sure to use cheese ravioli that's vegetarian-friendly.
References
Reliable references aided in composing and refining this content.
- Adapted from traditional Italian soup recipes.