If you’re craving something that feels like a big warm hug in a bowl, you’ve got to try this Ravioli Soup with Meat, Cheeses, and Tomato Broth Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—rich, comforting, and loaded with layers of flavor from savory meat to gooey cheeses, all swimming in a tangy tomato broth. When I first made it, my whole family went crazy for this, and I bet you’ll feel the same way once you taste it. Plus, it’s all done in one pot, which is a total win for a weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means you spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and cheese-stuffed ravioli makes this soup truly satisfy your hunger.
- Bursting with Flavor: The tomato broth blended with Italian seasonings and multiple cheeses creates a rich, comforting taste.
- Family Favorite: I’ve watched picky eaters ask for seconds—always a good sign!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Ravioli Soup with Meat, Cheeses, and Tomato Broth Recipe plays a special role. Together, they create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. A quick tip when shopping: pick fresh herbs if you can, and don’t skimp on good quality marinara and cheeses—they really make a difference here.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil for that subtle fruity depth in the base.
- Yellow onion: Diced finely to melt down and add natural sweetness.
- Ground beef: I prefer lean but flavorful to keep the soup hearty without too much grease.
- Ground Italian sausage: Adds a fantastic herby, spiced layer of taste—don’t skip it!
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that classic aromatic kick you want.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that pulls all the Italian flavors together.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Marinara sauce: I like one with a chunky texture and natural sweetness.
- Beef broth: Makes the soup rich and savory—homemade or store-bought both work great.
- Crushed tomatoes: Adds body and acidity to keep the soup bright and flavorful.
- Frozen cheese ravioli: The star that brings comforting pasta and cheesy goodness into every spoonful.
- Heavy cream: For that silky finish that makes the soup downright luxurious.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded to melt into stringy, gooey bits throughout the soup.
- Romano cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy note that deepens flavor complexity.
- Parmesan cheese: For salty, nutty richness; some for melting in and some for sprinkling on top.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the bowl visually and adds a fresh herbal pop to finish.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Ravioli Soup with Meat, Cheeses, and Tomato Broth Recipe. It’s forgiving and versatile, so feel free to tweak it based on what you have or your dietary needs. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make it your own.
- Meat swaps: I’ve tried this with ground turkey for a leaner option and it still tastes great—just add a bit more seasoning.
- Dairy-free version: You can omit the cheeses and cream or replace with dairy-free alternatives; the marinara and broth keep it hearty.
- Veggie boost: Add chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrients and color; toss them in right before adding the ravioli.
- Spicy kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the meat for a gentle heat that wakes up the broth.
How to Make Ravioli Soup with Meat, Cheeses, and Tomato Broth Recipe
Step 1: Browning the Meat and Onions
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, add your diced onions, ground beef, Italian sausage, and minced garlic. Stir occasionally while breaking up the meat with your spoon or spatula. You’ll want to cook it until the meat is no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Remember, drying out the meat will make it tough, so keep the heat moderate and don’t rush. If there’s excess grease, I usually drain a little so the soup isn’t too oily.
Step 2: Building the Broth Base
Once your meat mixture is perfectly browned, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat evenly. Then pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, and crushed tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine, then let the soup come to a gentle simmer. This step is where the flavors start melding, so you’re already on your way to something special.
Step 3: Cooking the Ravioli
Once your broth simmers, gently add the frozen cheese ravioli. Here’s a little tip: stir carefully and only occasionally so the ravioli don’t stick to the bottom or break apart. Cook them for about 4-6 minutes until tender and cooked through. Keep an eye on your pot during this time; ravioli cooking times can vary, and you want them perfectly soft but intact.
Step 4: Creating the Cheesy Finish
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, Romano, and parmesan cheeses. This part is pure magic—watch the cheeses melt into the broth, creating a silky, rich texture that coats every ravioli-filled spoonful. Be patient stirring gently until everything is completely melted and combined.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and a bit more grated parmesan over the top. This adds a lovely burst of color and freshness. Ladle into bowls, grab some crusty bread, and enjoy the ultimate cozy meal!
Pro Tips for Making Ravioli Soup with Meat, Cheeses, and Tomato Broth Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Ravioli: Once added, keep cooking time short to avoid them turning mushy; check frequently.
- Use Good Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Balance the Salt: Taste before adding more salt—marinara and broth can pack a punch on their own.
- Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling after adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling; low and slow is key.
How to Serve Ravioli Soup with Meat, Cheeses, and Tomato Broth Recipe
Garnishes
Whenever I serve this soup, I always top it with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it just brightens the whole bowl. Sometimes, I like to add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some subtle heat. For presentation, a twist of cracked black pepper makes it look restaurant-worthy without extra fuss.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread is my go-to side with this recipe. Whether it’s a baguette, garlic bread, or crusty rolls, it’s perfect for soaking up that flavorful broth. I’ve also served it alongside a simple mixed green salad or roasted veggies when I want to round out the meal with fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this ravioli soup in pretty white bowls, topped with a Parmesan crisp or homemade croutons. Sometimes I use small ramekins to make individual servings seem extra special, especially for dinner parties. A side bowl filled with extra cheeses invites guests to customize their own bowls, adding a fun interactive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover ravioli soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where it keeps well for about 3-4 days. Just remember the ravioli will soak up broth over time, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but to keep the ravioli texture intact, I usually freeze the broth and meat mixture separately from the cooked ravioli. Freeze each in individual containers or bags, and combine when reheating. That way, the pasta won’t turn too mushy.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring gently. If the soup has thickened or the ravioli absorbed too much liquid, add a little extra broth or water to get the perfect consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the ravioli can get tough or gummy.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen in this Ravioli Soup with Meat, Cheeses, and Tomato Broth Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli cooks more quickly than frozen, so you’ll want to add it toward the very end and reduce cooking time to just a couple of minutes. Just watch carefully so it doesn’t overcook and fall apart.
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Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, though I recommend freezing the broth and cooked ravioli separately, if possible, to keep the texture of the pasta from getting mushy. If frozen together, it poses no safety risk but the ravioli may become softer upon reheating.
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Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can! Substitute the ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles or hearty veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef, and pick a marinara sauce without any meat broth for a fully vegetarian soup.
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What’s the best way to prevent ravioli from sticking together while cooking in the soup?
Gently stir the soup immediately after adding ravioli and then occasionally during cooking. Avoid vigorous stirring to keep ravioli intact. Also, make sure the soup is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
Final Thoughts
This Ravioli Soup with Meat, Cheeses, and Tomato Broth Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it delivers cozy comfort with ease and excitement in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or want something hearty and homemade to share, you’ll enjoy how simple yet impressive it is. I can’t recommend it enough—grab the ingredients, follow along, and get ready for some serious soup happiness!
PrintRavioli Soup with Meat, Cheeses, and Tomato Broth Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Ravioli Soup is a comforting and hearty one-pot Italian-inspired dish that combines savory ground beef, Italian sausage, tender cheese ravioli, and a rich blend of marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this soup offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, finished with a creamy cheese topping and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Seasoning and Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 4 cups (32 ounces) beef broth
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 bag (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy cream
- 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (40 g) romano cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, shredded, plus more for garnish
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook meat and onions: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onions, ground beef, ground Italian sausage, and minced garlic. Stir occasionally, breaking up the meat, and cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add seasoning: Stir in the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to evenly coat the mixture.
- Add liquids and bring to simmer: Pour in the jar of marinara sauce, beef broth, and crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the ravioli: Once simmering, add the frozen cheese ravioli to the pot. Cook for 4–6 minutes or until the ravioli are tender, stirring gently occasionally to avoid breaking the ravioli.
- Incorporate cheeses and cream: Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, romano, and parmesan cheeses. Stir until all cheeses are fully melted and the soup is creamy and well blended.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese as desired. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful ravioli soup!
Notes
- This Ravioli Soup is an all-in-one pot dish, perfect for an easy and hearty meal with minimal cleanup.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef and sausage for a lighter variation.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Use fresh ravioli if available, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste great reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/10th of recipe)
- Calories: 532 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg