Name: Italian Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 carrot, chopped; 3 cups beef broth or chicken broth; 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices); 15 ounces canned cannellini beans (or white kidney beans), drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 bay leaf

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is packed with flavor and is incredibly versatile. The combination of Italian sausage, beans, and vegetables makes for a filling and nutritious meal. It’s a budget-friendly option and a great way to use up pantry staples. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding in different vegetables or pasta for a heartier version.

Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 carrot, chopped
3 cups beef broth or chicken broth
15 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
15 ounces canned cannellini beans (or white kidney beans), drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 bay leaf

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Brown the sausage and onion in a large pot until no pink remains. Drain the fat.
Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the carrot is tender and flavors have blended.
Discard the bay leaf and serve.
Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 6 servings.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 22 minutes
Total time: 37 minutes

Variations

Meat: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Beans: Use Great Northern beans or black beans if you prefer a different type of bean.
Veggies: Add zucchini, spinach, or any leftover roasted veggies to increase the vegetable content.
Pasta: Add small pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni to make it more filling.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in zippered bags or containers for up to 4 months.
Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove over low heat until hot. Adjust seasoning as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, you can use dried beans. Make sure to soak and cook them before adding to the soup.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of meat broth.

3. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a spicy kick.

4. Can I add pasta to the soup?

Yes, but cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl to prevent it from becoming mushy in the soup.

5. How can I stretch this recipe to feed more people?

Add extra vegetables, beans, or even rice or pasta to stretch the soup and feed more people.

6. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a different flavor.

7. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 4 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.

8. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

9. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for later.

10. What should I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, fresh rolls, or a side salad.

Conclusion

Italian Bean Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. It’s full of flavor and can be customized with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a hearty meal, this soup is sure to become a favorite.