Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (small shapes like ditalini or broken lasagna noodles)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and transparent.
- Pour in the beef or chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the simmering soup. Cover and cook until pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low. Gently fold in ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella, stirring until cheeses melt into a creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra mozzarella if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Short pasta shapes like ditalini or broken lasagna noodles work best.
- This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it thickens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Contemporary/Keto options can be adapted
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
- Calories: 380 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg