introduction
This Cheesy Beef and Pasta Soup is warm, simple, and filling. It cooks in one pot and makes a cozy meal for any night. If you like quick, cheesy dinners with pasta, try this soup or a similar cheesy ranch chicken and broccoli pasta skillet for another easy option.
why make this recipe
This soup is fast and uses common pantry items. It is creamy, cheesy, and has meat and pasta in every spoon. Kids and adults usually like it. You can change the pasta or cheese to fit what you have.
how to make Cheesy Beef and Pasta Soup
Follow the steps below. Brown the beef first, then add flavor, broth, and pasta. Finish with milk and cheese for a smooth, cheesy soup. Add spinach if you want greens in the bowl. The soup takes about 25–30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups small pasta (elbow, ditalini, or shells)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra cheddar or Parmesan (for garnish)
Directions :
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then add pasta. Reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Step 4: Lower heat. Stir in butter and milk. Add cheddar and Parmesan slowly, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in spinach if using and let wilt. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley and extra cheese.
how to serve Cheesy Beef and Pasta Soup
Serve hot in deep bowls. Add extra shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top. A slice of crusty bread or garlic toast goes well with this soup. For a lighter meal, serve with a simple green salad.
how to store Cheesy Beef and Pasta Soup
Cool the soup to room temperature before storing. Put it in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, stirring so the cheese stays smooth. You can also freeze the soup, but pasta may soften more after thawing. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
tips to make Cheesy Beef and Pasta Soup
- Use small pasta so it cooks fast and fits the spoon.
- Add cheese slowly on low heat to avoid grainy texture.
- If the soup gets too thick after cooling, thin with a little broth or milk when reheating.
- For more flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For another hearty beef pasta idea, see this classic beef and noodles recipe.
- Drain excess grease from the beef to keep the soup from getting oily.
variation (if any)
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Swap cheddar for Monterrey Jack or a blend of cheeses.
- Add vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers when you cook the onions.
- Make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different pasta shapes?
A: Yes. Small shapes like elbows, ditalini, or small shells work best.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can use dairy-free milk and a vegan cheese, but the texture and flavor will change.
Q: How do I stop the cheese from clumping?
A: Lower the heat and add cheese slowly. Stir constantly until the cheese melts.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: You can cook the beef and onions first, then add to the slow cooker with broth and tomatoes. Add pasta near the end so it does not overcook.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef and Pasta Soup is a simple comfort meal you can make any night. For another creamy, beef-and-tomato noodle idea that is close in style, check this recipe from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe: Creamy Beef and Tomato Noodle Soup – Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Cheesy Beef and Pasta Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add pasta and reduce heat, simmering for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Lower heat, stir in butter and milk.
- Gradually add cheddar and Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in spinach if using and let wilt.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley and extra cheese.