Hearty Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup chopped onions

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup sliced carrots

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound extra lean ground beef

2 links mild Italian sausage sliced

1 can (28oz) tomatoes undrained, coarsely chopped

4 cups beef stock

1 can (14oz) red kidney beans drained and rinsed

2 cups cabbage chopped

1 cup green beans

1 cup diced, unpeeled zucchini

½ tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 ½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

½ cup dry red wine

2 cups cheese filled tortellini fresh or frozen

2 cups fresh spinach shredded

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

In large pot, heat oil over medium heat.

Add onions, celery, carrots and garlic. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes.

Stir in ground beef and sausage. Cook until beef is no longer pink.

Stir in tomatoes, beef stock, kidney beans, cabbage, green beans, zucchini, sugar, basil, oregano, salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 30 minutes.

Stir in red wine, tortellini and spinach.

Cook uncovered for 20 minutes or until pasta is tender but firm.

Taste, adjusting seasoning.

Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with parmesan cheese

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this soup?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option or if you don’t eat beef.

What can I use as a substitute for red wine in this recipe?

If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute beef broth or vegetable broth for added flavor.

Should I use fresh or frozen tortellini for this soup?

Either fresh or frozen tortellini will work well in this recipe.

Use whichever is more convenient or readily available to you.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Is it necessary to add the Parmesan cheese at the end?

Adding Parmesan cheese at the end is optional but highly recommended as it adds a delicious depth of flavor to the soup.

However, if you prefer not to use cheese, you can omit it or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and Italian sausage.

Simply increase the amount of vegetables or add other meat substitutes like tofu or tempeh for protein.

Is it necessary to use both ground beef and Italian sausage?

Using both ground beef and Italian sausage adds depth of flavor to the soup, but you can omit one or the other if preferred.

Adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Can I use canned spinach instead of fresh spinach?

While fresh spinach is preferred for its flavor and texture, canned spinach can be used as a substitute.

Make sure to drain it well before adding it to the soup.

What can I use instead of red wine?

If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or vegetable broth.

The wine adds depth of flavor, but the soup will still be delicious without it.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini or substitute it with gluten-free pasta.

Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the beef stock and canned beans, are also gluten-free.

Can I substitute other beans for kidney beans?

Yes, you can substitute other beans such as cannellini beans or navy beans for the kidney beans if preferred.

Choose beans that you enjoy and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is there a way to make this soup less spicy?

If you prefer a milder soup, you can reduce or omit the black pepper and chili flakes.

Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

What can I serve with this soup?

This hearty tortellini soup is delicious on its own but pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.