Beefy Spaghetti Soup
Beefy Spaghetti Soup Recipe from Italy | Ground Beef, Green Beans, and More
Introduction
Beefy Spaghetti Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of beef and tomato with the satisfying texture of spaghetti and vegetables. This recipe is perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and filling. It's a simple, one-pot meal that is both nutritious and delicious, making it a favorite among families.
History
The origins of Beefy Spaghetti Soup can be traced back to the traditional Italian minestrone, a thick soup made with vegetables, pasta, and sometimes meat. Over time, variations of this soup emerged, incorporating different ingredients based on regional preferences and availability. The Beefy Spaghetti Soup is a modern take on these classic soups, tailored to suit the palate of those who prefer a meatier flavor in their dishes.
Ingredients
- 0.5 lb (227 g) ground beef, crumbled
- 1 cup frozen cut green beans
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1.5 cup spaghetti, broken (uncooked)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp parsley flakes
- 4 cup beef stock
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 0.13 tsp pepper
- 1 mushroom, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 0.5 tsp oregano
How to prepare
- In a large casserole dish, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, and oil.
- Microwave on high until the meat is no longer pink, stirring once during cooking.
- Drain the excess liquid.
- Add the remaining ingredients.
- Cover the casserole dish.
- Microwave on high for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the spaghetti is cooked.
- Stir occasionally during cooking.
Variations
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To ensure the best flavor and texture, brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding it to the soup. This process caramelizes the meat, adding depth to the dish. Additionally, breaking the spaghetti into smaller pieces before cooking helps it to blend more seamlessly with the other ingredients, making each spoonful perfectly balanced.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Beefy Spaghetti Soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread for dipping. A fresh green salad also makes a great accompaniment to this hearty soup.
Cooking Techniques
Browning the meat and vegetables before adding them to the soup can enhance the flavor of the dish. Additionally, simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the spaghetti with a gluten-free pasta of your choice. Vegetable stock can be used instead of beef stock for a vegetarian version.
Make Ahead Tips
This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve with time, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the soup in a deep bowl, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of elegance. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper adds both flavor and visual appeal.
Pairing Recommendations
A medium-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the Beefy Spaghetti Soup. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon complements the dish well.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little water or stock if the soup has thickened upon standing.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Beefy Spaghetti Soup contains approximately 250 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a main meal. This calorie count can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Carbohydrates
A serving of Beefy Spaghetti Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbohydrates in this dish are the spaghetti and the vegetables, which provide energy as well as dietary fiber.
Fats
This recipe contains about 10 grams of fat per serving, most of which comes from the ground beef. Using lean ground beef can help reduce the fat content, making the dish healthier without compromising on taste.
Proteins
Beefy Spaghetti Soup is a good source of protein, with each serving providing around 20 grams. The protein comes primarily from the ground beef, making this dish an excellent option for muscle repair and growth.
Vitamins and minerals
This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A from the tomato sauce and green beans, iron from the beef, and potassium from the beef stock. These nutrients support overall health and well-being.
Alergens
Common allergens in this recipe include gluten (from the spaghetti) and potential allergens in the beef stock, depending on the brand. Always check labels if you have specific food allergies.
Summary
Overall, Beefy Spaghetti Soup is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a nutritious option that can fit into a variety of dietary needs.
Summary
Beefy Spaghetti Soup is a versatile and satisfying dish that combines the heartiness of beef with the comfort of pasta and vegetables. It's a nutritious meal that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner option or a nutritious meal prep solution, this soup is sure to please.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Beefy Spaghetti Soup caught my eye. The picture showed a hearty bowl of soup filled with tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and noodles. It looked warm and comforting, just what I needed on a chilly day.
I read through the ingredients and instructions, taking note of the seasonings and techniques used in the recipe. I had never made a soup quite like this before, but I was determined to give it a try. I had always loved cooking, and trying new recipes was one of my favorite pastimes.
I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. I browned the beef in a pot, then added in the vegetables and seasonings. The aroma that filled the kitchen was incredible - the rich scent of beef mingling with garlic, onions, and herbs. I added in the broth and let the soup simmer on the stove, the flavors melding together beautifully.
As the soup cooked, I boiled some spaghetti noodles to add in at the end. I loved the idea of having noodles in a soup - it made it feel even heartier and more satisfying. Once the noodles were cooked, I added them to the pot, stirring everything together. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.
I ladled the soup into a bowl and took a tentative sip. The flavors were amazing - rich, savory, and comforting. The beef was tender, the vegetables were perfectly cooked, and the noodles added a nice texture. I was thrilled with how the soup turned out. It was a new favorite in my repertoire of recipes.
I made the Beefy Spaghetti Soup many times after that first attempt. It became a go-to recipe for cold winter nights when I needed something warm and satisfying. I loved sharing it with friends and family, who always raved about how delicious it was. I even entered it in a local cooking competition and won first prize. The judges loved the unique combination of flavors and textures in the soup.
Over the years, I continued to make the Beefy Spaghetti Soup, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I added more vegetables, experimented with different seasonings, and even tried using different cuts of beef. Each version of the soup was delicious in its own way, but the original recipe always held a special place in my heart.
I often think back to that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe for Beefy Spaghetti Soup. It was a turning point in my culinary journey, inspiring me to try new flavors and techniques in the kitchen. I'm grateful for the cookbook that led me to this amazing recipe, and for the joy it has brought to me and my loved ones over the years. Cooking is truly a labor of love, and I'm grateful to have found a recipe that brings so much joy and comfort to those who taste it.
Categories
| Green Bean Recipes | Ground Beef Recipes | Italian Recipes | Italian Soups | Spaghetti Recipes | Tomato Recipes |