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Bowl of cheesy beef and pasta soup garnished with herbs and cheese

Cheesy Beef and Pasta Soup

A warm, creamy, and cheesy beef and pasta soup that cooks in one pot. Perfect for a cozy meal any night.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat and Base Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking the beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
Liquid Ingredients
  • 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half
Pasta and Cheese Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups small pasta (elbow, ditalini, or shells)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for garnish
  • 2 tbsp butter
Optional Ingredients
  • 1 cup baby spinach Optional, for added greens
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes Optional, for spiciness
  • Fresh parsley For garnish

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
  3. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
  4. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Add pasta and reduce heat, simmering for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
  7. Lower heat, stir in butter and milk.
  8. Gradually add cheddar and Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in spinach if using and let wilt.
  10. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley and extra cheese.

Notes

Cool the soup to room temperature before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thin with a little broth or milk if it thickens.