It’s one of those recipes where the leftovers get better as they rest in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld. This delicious soup has distinct European flavors and seasonings, from the mirepoix used as a vegetable base to the grated parmesan added at the end to flavor and thicken the soup. It is also wonderfully filling and satiating. While it works as an appetizer, it’s rich and hearty enough to be served as a main course, much like no-bean chili, chicken chili, or fish chowder.
Ingredients
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Olive oil: This is my favorite oil to cook with. Butter is another tasty option. Vegetables: I use onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Lean ground beef: I use an 85/15 mixture. A leaner mixture (90/10) will work, but then you’ll need to add more oil or butter to the pan. To season: Kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and a bay leaf. The rosemary is especially good here. Beef broth: Store-bought is fine. I prefer to use regular broth, as I find it more flavorful than a low-sodium broth. Pomi chopped tomatoes: These tomatoes are sweeter and less acidic than American canned tomatoes, and they’re also diced very finely, which is important for the texture of this soup. Grated Parmesan: Make sure you use finely grated cheese, not coarsely shredded. This is an important ingredient - it helps thicken the soup.
Cook the onions, carrots, celery, and ground beef in olive oil. Cook until the beef is no longer raw and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Break the meat up as you cook into small chunks. Add the garlic and spices and cook for one more minute. Stir in the beef broth and tomatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the soup for 20 minutes. This is the stage that allows all the wonderful flavors to meld together. It also slightly thickens the soup. The last step is to mix in the parmesan and serve the soup.
Cheese muffins Cheese biscuits Almond flour bread Cheese crackers Cornbread
You can also freeze this soup. I like to freeze it in mugs and then reheat it in the microwave when I feel like having something warm and comforting.
