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Need a real soul-warming dish? My Ravioli Soup puts stuffed pasta pockets in a hearty tomato soup that'll hit the spot every time. I came up with this during a hectic family week and it's now our dinner lifesaver. What makes it special? Cheese-filled ravioli floating in a tasty Italian-inspired soup with perfectly cooked beef and veggies. Everyone at my table asks for seconds when the weather turns cold.
What Makes This Soup Special
I swear this soup will change how you think about weeknight cooking. From my years running a food blog, I understand what time-pressed families actually need. This all-in-one meal comes together so quickly you'll have extra time to relax at dinner. Beef and pasta team up to make it filling but not too heavy. My followers always mention how their kids eat all the veggies without a single complaint. And guess what? It tastes even better when you heat it up the next day—great for work lunches.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Ground beef: It adds that satisfying meaty texture everybody wants.
- Crushed tomatoes: These are always in my cupboard for making rich, flavorful broths.
- Tomato paste: My go-to for boosting that deep tomato taste.
- Onions: I find sweet varieties work wonderfully here.
- Fresh parsley: Gives such a nice bright touch to the dish.
- Garlic cloves: Nothing beats the taste of freshly minced garlic.
- Dried basil: Adds that authentic Italian flavor we all love.
- Sugar: Just a tiny bit cuts the acidity perfectly.
- Dried oregano: A staple Italian seasoning I can't cook without.
- Onion salt: This brings an extra savory kick to everything.
- Dried thyme: Adds a subtle background note that pulls it all together.
- Cheese ravioli: You can grab these ready-made from the store's refrigerated section.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Try grating it yourself for the best flavor.
- Minced fresh parsley: A little sprinkle makes the bowl look amazing.
Simple Cooking Steps
- Step 1: Build Your Savory Foundation
- Get your big soup pot hot and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it's broken up nicely—takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off the extra fat, then throw in your water, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, parsley, garlic and all those tasty herbs and spices. Let it bubble up to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer with the lid on for 30 minutes. During this time, all those flavors mix together and the onions get nice and soft.
- Step 2: Drop in Your Ravioli
- Here's the best part! Cook your pasta according to the package directions, then add it to your soup pot. Give everything a gentle stir and mix in the Parmesan cheese—it makes the soup so rich and creamy. I always finish with a handful of fresh parsley scattered on top. It looks beautiful when you bring it to the table.
Ways to Switch It Up
Sometimes I use spicy Italian sausage instead of beef for an extra flavor kick. When I want something really rich, I pour in a bit of heavy cream at the last minute—it's so good! Got a garden full of veggies? Just toss them in! Zucchini, bell peppers and baby spinach work great in this soup. Every version brings something new to the table so my family never gets tired of it. Try different things and see what becomes your favorite way to enjoy it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can this dish be cooked in advance?
Sure, you can prepare the soup base and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just toss in the ravioli right before serving to keep the texture perfect.
- → Does this freeze well?
The base can be frozen for as long as 3 months. For the best results, cook fresh ravioli when you reheat it to avoid sogginess.
- → What pairs well with this meal?
Garlic bread or a crisp salad are great sides. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan if you like a cheesy touch!
- → Can I substitute the ravioli type?
Of course! Swap in spinach, mushroom, or meat ravioli—just follow the cooking times listed on the package.
- → What’s the veggie-friendly version of this?
Leave out the beef and switch to veggie broth. Toss in mushrooms or more vegetables for flavor, and check for vegetarian ravioli options.
References
Reliable references aided in composing and refining this content.
- Inspired by classic Italian comfort dishes.