Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Heat the Oil: Start by heating a 4.5 quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the Olive Oil and let it heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Meat: Add the Ground Beef, diced Onion, and minced Garlic to the pot. Sauté until the beef is thoroughly cooked, stirring occasionally. Depending on the fat content of your meat, you may need to drain excess fat to maintain the soup's consistency.
Cooking the Soup
- Add the Sauces: Stir in the Diced Tomatoes (with their juice), Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Chicken Broth, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, and the uncooked Bowtie Pasta.
- Cook the Soup: Increase the heat to HIGH and bring the soup to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a medium simmer. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until the pasta reaches your desired level of doneness, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add Water or more broth gradually until you reach the preferred consistency.
Final Touches
- Add the Cheeses: For the best cheesiness, either mix the Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan into the soup after it cools slightly, or serve the cheeses on the side for individual portions. Garnish with fresh chopped Parsley.
- Store the Soup: To store leftovers, cool the soup completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 90 days (or longer if vacuum-sealed).
- Reheat with Care: When reheating, add a little more water or broth, as the noodles will absorb much of the liquid during storage.
Notes
To enhance the flavor, let the soup simmer a bit longer; this melds the ingredients and develops a deeper taste. For additional texture, consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms along with the beef. Serving the soup with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad can create a full meal experience.
