Ground Beef Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food — a warm, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with juicy ground beef, vegetables, and a rich tomato broth.

It’s a perfect blend of Italian-inspired flavors and homestyle heartiness. This soup tastes like something from a cozy countryside kitchen but is incredibly simple to make in your own home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it turns basic, everyday ingredients into something that feels special. The ground beef adds richness and depth, while the cheese tortellini brings a soft, comforting texture that makes every spoonful irresistible.

The soup is hearty enough to stand as a full meal, and it’s even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You need to try this dish because it hits every note — rich, savory, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s a one-pot meal that’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Plus, it’s crowd-pleasing: adults love the comforting flavors, and kids adore the cheesy tortellini. Best of all, it’s customizable — you can make it creamy, spicy, or loaded with veggies depending on your mood.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving

Cuisine: Italian-American

Course: Main Course / Soup

Ingredients

For the Soup:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
4 cups (1 liter) beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
2 cups baby spinach (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Simple Cooking Directions

Brown ground beef with onions and garlic.
Add carrots, celery, and seasonings.
Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
Simmer to blend flavors.
Add tortellini and cook until tender.
Stir in spinach and serve with Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasoning

Stir in carrots and celery, then season with Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 5 minutes to soften the vegetables slightly.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Tortellini

Add the tortellini directly to the simmering soup. Cook uncovered for about 5–7 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.

Step 6: Add Spinach (Optional)

Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve Ground Beef Tortellini Soup with:

Warm garlic bread or buttered rolls
A crisp Caesar or garden salad
A sprinkle of Parmesan or red pepper flakes for extra flavor

It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own!

Additional Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook the tortellini — they should be just tender, not mushy.
Use lean ground beef (85–90%) for a lighter, cleaner soup.
For a creamier version, add ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half after cooking the tortellini.
For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
Add extra flavor with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar.

Recipe Variations

Creamy Tortellini Soup: Stir in cream or milk at the end for a rich, velvety texture.
Spicy Version: Add Italian sausage or more red pepper flakes for a kick.
Vegetable-Packed: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute beef for a leaner version.
Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded mozzarella or provolone before serving for a cheesy melt.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: For best results, freeze before adding the tortellini, as pasta can become mushy when reheated. The broth and beef base freeze well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh tortellini while reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Ladle for serving
Sharp knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Add them directly from frozen; just cook a few minutes longer (7–9 minutes).

Q2: Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use vegetable broth, omit the beef, and add extra beans or mushrooms for substance.

Q3: How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini or substitute with gluten-free pasta.

Q4: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything except the tortellini. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, then stir in the tortellini 20 minutes before serving.

Q5: Can I use other pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes — small pastas like ditalini, macaroni, or farfalle work well, though you’ll lose the cheesy filling.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Tortellini Soup is the perfect combination of rich tomato broth, tender beef, and cheesy pasta — a warm hug in a bowl! It’s flavorful, easy to make, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re craving something hearty for dinner or need a make-ahead meal for the week, this soup delivers every time. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.