Beef Sausage & Tortellini Soup: Hearty Comfort
Featured in Soup.
A hearty and comforting soup featuring savory beef sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for any night!
Oh, the magic of a chilly evening and a bowl of something truly comforting! There’s just nothing quite like it, is there? This beef sausage and tortellini comfort soup? It’s pure, unadulterated warmth in a bowl, a hug on a spoon. I remember one blustery Tuesday, the kind where the wind rattled the windows, and I had exactly thirty minutes before my little ones needed dinner. I just threw this together, honestly, not expecting much more than a quick fix. But wow, the aromas that filled the kitchen! It transformed that hurried dinner into a cozy, memorable moment. It's the kind of soup that makes you feel like everything's going to be alright, even on the busiest of days.
Why You'll Love It
- •**Soul-Soothing Comfort** - Rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying, it's perfect for chasing away the chill.
- •**Quick & Easy Weeknight Meal** - Ready in about 30 minutes, this soup is a lifesaver for busy evenings.
- •**Family Favorite** - Even picky eaters adore the tender tortellini and flavorful beef sausage.
- •**One-Pot Wonder** - Almost everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Yes, please!
The first time I served this soup, my husband, who usually just 'eats' his food, actually paused. He said, 'Honey, this is what comfort tastes like.' My kids, bless their hearts, usually pick out anything green, but the spinach just melted right into the broth, and they devoured it! It’s become such a beloved recipe in our home, a true keeper.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Beef Sausage: Choose a good quality beef sausage. A little spice can be nice, but mild works beautifully too. It really sets the savory tone.
- Cheese Tortellini: Fresh or frozen, either works! They cook quickly and add that lovely pasta comfort. Don't let them get too soft!
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: The foundation of our rich broth. Fire-roasted adds a lovely depth, if you can find them.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds a pop of color and freshness. It wilts down so much, so don't be shy with the quantity.
Complete Cooking Process
- •Don't overcook the tortellini; it should be tender-chewy.
- •Drain excess fat from sausage for a cleaner broth.
- •Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
- •Freshly grated Parmesan is non-negotiable for that extra oomph!
Start by browning the beef sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease, darling; we want flavor, not oiliness.
Add your onion and garlic to the pot. Let them get nice and fragrant. This is where the magic begins, honestly. That smell? Divine!
Pour in the broth, crushed tomatoes, and seasonings. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Let all those flavors meld together for a bit. It’s like a little flavor dance in there.
Add the tortellini and cook until tender. Keep an eye on it – we're looking for al dente, not mushy. No one wants mushy pasta, for real.
Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt. It happens so fast! A beautiful green swirl. You’ll be surprised how much disappears into the soup.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Oh, and maybe a crusty piece of bread for dipping. Perfection!
You Must Know
This soup is truly a testament to how simple ingredients, handled with a little care, can create something profoundly comforting. Every spoonful is a warm embrace, a perfect ending to a long day. It’s definitely earned its spot in my weeknight rotation.
The Beauty of Beef Sausage
Using beef sausage here, instead of pork, keeps things robust and rich without straying from our ingredient preferences. It's truly a fantastic choice for savory depth. And honestly, it browns up so beautifully, giving our soup that wonderful, earthy base. Don't skip browning it well, okay? That's where all the good flavor starts.
Tortellini: A Little Pasta Perfection
Those little tortellini are like tiny, cheesy pillows of joy in every spoonful. They cook so quickly, which is a lifesaver on busy nights. I mean, who wants to wait forever for dinner? Just remember, you want them tender, but still with a little bite. Al dente is always the goal, even in soup!
The Greens - A Fresh Touch
Adding spinach at the very end is my little secret. It wilts just enough to become part of the soup, but it keeps its bright green color and a hint of freshness. It’s such a simple way to sneak in some greens, and my kids honestly don't even bat an eye. Plus, it just makes the soup look so much prettier, don't you think?
You Must Know
- •Don't overcook the tortellini — it gets soggy fast.
- •Always drain the sausage fat for a lighter soup.
- •A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick.
Honestly, this beef sausage and tortellini soup is a weekly staple in my home now. It’s quick, it’s comforting, and it always hits just the right spot. There’s something so grounding about a simple, homemade meal that warms you from the inside out, and this one? It does that beautifully. It’s like a warm hug, really.
Frequently Asked Questions
→Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly and often cooks just as quickly as fresh. No need to thaw beforehand.
→What kind of beef sausage should I use?
Any ground beef sausage will do! Mild or spicy, depending on your preference. Just be sure to brown it well.
→Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Sliced carrots, celery, or diced zucchini would be lovely additions. Add them with the onion and garlic to soften.
→How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The tortellini might soften a bit more upon reheating.
Beef Sausage & Tortellini Soup: Hearty Comfort
Enjoy beef sausage & tortellini comfort soup, a soul-soothing blend of savory flavors and tender pasta. The perfect easy meal for chilly evenings!
Timing
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 011 tbsp olive oil
- 021 lb ground beef sausage
- 031 large yellow onion, diced
- 043 cloves garlic, minced
- 056 cups chicken broth
- 061 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 071 tsp dried oregano
- 081/2 tsp dried basil
- 091/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 10Salt and black pepper to taste
- 111 (19 ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 125 oz fresh spinach
For Garnish
- 01Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 02Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's nicely browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it's done, drain off any excess grease. We want all that lovely flavor, but not too much oiliness, okay?
Add the diced yellow onion to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until it's softened and turns translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Oh, that smell! It's truly the start of something wonderful.
Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if you're using them for a little warmth!). Stir everything together, give it a good season with salt and black pepper to your liking, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 10-15 minutes, allowing all those beautiful flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens!
Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh and 7-10 minutes for frozen, or until they're tender but still have a nice chew. We don't want them getting all mushy on us, do we?
Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach. Let it wilt down into the soup, which happens super quickly – just a minute or two. The vibrant green against the rich red broth is just so lovely, plus it adds a fresh pop of goodness!
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, perhaps with a warm, crusty bread for dipping. Take a moment, savor that first spoonful. It's truly hearty comfort in a bowl. Enjoy, darling!
Notes & Tips
- 1For an extra layer of flavor, consider using fire-roasted crushed tomatoes.
- 2If you don't have fresh spinach, a bag of frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, can work in a pinch.
- 3Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your family's spice preference – or omit for a milder soup.
- 4This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
Tools You'll Need
- •**Don't overcook the tortellini** - They're delicate and can go from tender to mushy quickly. Watch them carefully!
- •**Drain the sausage well** - Excess grease can make the soup oily. A quick drain keeps it light and flavorful.
- •**Taste and adjust** - Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper. It's your kitchen, your flavor!
- •**Fresh Parmesan is key** - Seriously, it makes all the difference for that finishing touch of salty, nutty goodness.