Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onions
- 1 cup diced celery stalks (around 3 stalks)
- 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium-sized)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced (approximately 1 tablespoon))
- 2 cans (14.5 oz) low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cans (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- ½ cup water (add more if necessary)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons freshly minced parsley
- Finely grated Romano or Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté chopped onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned (5–7 minutes).
- Stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, sugar, and seasonings; bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook ditalini pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- Add both types of drained beans in the last few minutes of cooking the soup.
- Mix in cooked pasta just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Customize your soup by adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini. For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead.
