Creamy Ground Beef & Tomato Soup

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 20 mins | Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (or ground Italian sausage)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or marinara sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried basil and oregano)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Finish:

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened and cubed (or ½ cup heavy cream)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef & Aromatics

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces, until browned and cooked through.
3. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Simmer the Soup

1. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir well to combine, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
3. Cover and simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Make it Creamy

1. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese (or heavy cream) and whisk until completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the broth.
2. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.

4. Garnish & Serve

1. Ladle the soup into warm bowls.
2. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread!