If you are craving something cozy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe. This soup is everything you want on a chilly day: rich beef sausage, tender ditalini pasta, vibrant greens, and that irresistible touch of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Every spoonful offers a comforting balance of textures and tastes that will make you feel right at home, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe lies not in complicated components but in simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully. Each brings a unique depth, from the savory sausage and fresh vegetables to the fragrant herbs and melted Parmesan, creating layers of flavor you will love.
- Beef Italian Sausage: The star protein that brings bold, savory flavor and richness to the soup.
- Ditalini Pasta: Little tubes that retain the broth perfectly and add delightful bite.
- Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty creaminess that melts wonderfully into the soup.
- Onion: Provides a slightly sweet base that amplifies savory notes when sautéed.
- Carrots: Add a gentle sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the broth.
- Celery: Offers a subtle aromatic crunch for flavor depth.
- Garlic: Delivers a fragrant punch to awaken the palate.
- Beef Broth: Creates a rich and hearty soup base that complements the beef sausage.
- Balsamic Vinegar or Beef Broth (for deglazing): Helps lift browned bits off the pot’s bottom, intensifying flavor complexity.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Bring a tangy, slightly sweet element that balances the richness.
- Fresh Spinach or Kale: Adds color, nutrition, and a touch of earthiness.
- Dried Oregano: Provides an herbal, slightly peppery hint that ties flavors together.
- Dried Basil: Adds a warm, sweet aroma and taste layered with oregano.
- Bay Leaf: Imparts gentle bitterness and depth to the simmered broth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Give a subtle kick of heat for added warmth.
- Fresh Parsley: Finishes the soup with a fresh, bright note as garnish.
How to Make Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef Italian Sausage
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown it thoroughly until no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. This process is essential because it locks in the sausage’s savory juices and builds the foundation of flavor. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving the flavorful fat in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery into the pot with the rendered sausage fat. Sauté these vegetables for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This softens them and creates a sweet, fragrant base that complements the robust sausage flavor perfectly.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs, Then Deglaze
Mix in minced garlic along with dried oregano and dried basil. Cook for about a minute until you can smell their lovely aromas filling your kitchen. Next, pour in a splash of balsamic vinegar or a quarter cup of beef broth to deglaze the pot. Scrape the bottom with your wooden spoon to lift all those caramelized bits stuck to the surface. These bits, often called fond, add intense flavor to your soup.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Stir in crushed tomatoes and the remaining beef broth, then add the bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This gentle simmer allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully and develop a rich, comforting broth.
Step 5: Cook the Ditalini Pasta
Turn up the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a rolling boil. Add the ditalini pasta, stirring occasionally. Cook according to package directions, typically around 7 to 9 minutes until al dente, so the pasta has just the right amount of bite—not mushy, not undercooked.
Step 6: Return the Sausage and Add Greens
Once the pasta is tender, add the browned sausage back into the pot. Then stir in your fresh spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the greens have wilted nicely. This step adds fresh texture, a pop of color, and a healthy dose of nutrients.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan Cheese
Remove the bay leaf before stirring in about half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the soup transforms—the cheese melts seamlessly into the broth, giving it that signature creaminess and an irresistible umami richness. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl, sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top along with finely chopped fresh parsley. These simple garnishes add bright, fresh notes and an inviting look that makes every serving feel special. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice pop of heat if you like a little spice.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping and soaking up all that luscious broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness on the side and balances the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls topped with a Parmesan crisp or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. You could also ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini bread bowls for a cozy, shareable experience. Adding a lemon wedge alongside provides an unexpected, refreshing contrast that brightens each spoonful.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, so leftovers often taste even better the next day!
Freezing
If you want to keep the soup longer, freeze it in portions but keep the pasta separate if possible. Ditalini can become mushy after freezing and reheating. Freeze the soup base in containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat any leftover soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Add freshly cooked ditalini pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan to revive that perfect homemade taste.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of beef Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage will make the soup a bit lighter but still flavorful, especially if you use a well-seasoned Italian-style variety. The cooking method stays the same, just watch the browning time as turkey sausage can cook a little faster.
Is it necessary to use fresh Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan is highly recommended because it melts smoothly and adds a nutty depth you just don’t get from pre-grated powders. It really makes a difference in the richness and texture of the soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can adapt the recipe by substituting the beef sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit the meat altogether and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra beans or lentils for protein and keep the veggies vibrant for a delicious plant-powered twist.
What if I don’t have ditalini pasta?
If ditalini isn’t available, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or even mini penne work wonderfully. The key is choosing pasta that holds broth well and cooks quickly.
How spicy is this soup?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that brightens the soup without overwhelming it—perfect for those who enjoy a touch of heat but nothing too fiery. You can always adjust the amount based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl, combining wholesome ingredients, comforting textures, and layers of irresistible flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a cozy night in, this soup is sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised at how simple ingredients can come together to create such a satisfying meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds!
Print
Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup combines savory Italian sausage with hearty vegetables, tender ditalini pasta, and fresh greens, all simmered in a rich tomato and beef broth base. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this warming soup is perfect for a comforting meal and comes together in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 pound beef Italian sausage
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pantry Items
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth, divided
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or additional beef broth for deglazing)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown thoroughly until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage drippings. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Garlic and Herbs, Deglaze: Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or ¼ cup beef broth and scrape browned bits from the pot bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes and the remaining beef broth (about 5 ¾ cups). Add bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Increase heat to medium-high to bring soup back to a rolling boil. Add ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 7-9 minutes, until al dente.
- Add Sausage and Greens: Once pasta is cooked, return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until greens have wilted.
- Finish with Cheese and Season: Remove bay leaf. Stir in about ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty, flavorful soup!
Notes
- For a spicier soup, increase red pepper flakes to taste.
- Using fresh sausage offers superior flavor, but you can substitute pre-cooked sausage if needed, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Ditalini pasta is traditional, but small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells can be used.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day; refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- For a thicker soup, reduce broth slightly or let simmer uncovered for longer before adding pasta.
