Beef, tomato and acini di pepe soup

Beef, tomato, and acini di pepe soup is a hearty combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and beef broth, complemented by the delightful texture of gluten-free acini di pepe pasta. This comforting dish is straightforward to prepare and perfect for family gatherings.

19 Dec 2025
Cook time 105 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (80/20%)
1.50 tsp salt
1/2 cup onion
1 stalk celery
1/2 cup carrots
2 cans canned tomatoes
6 cups beef broth
2 tsp bay leaf
4 oz gluten-free pasta
4 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Beef, tomato and acini di pepe soup is a comforting and hearty meal that combines the savory flavors of ground beef, tomatoes, and beef broth with the delightful texture of acini di pepe pasta. This gluten-free recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat.
- Add the 1 lb ground beef and 1.50 tsp salt.
- Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the beef is cooking, finely chop 1/2 cup onion, 1 stalk celery, and 1/2 cup carrots.
- Once the beef is browned, add these chopped vegetables to the pot.
- Stirring occasionally, let them cook until they are softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in the 2 cans of canned tomatoes (crushed or diced).
- Add the 6 cups beef broth.
- Stir in 2 tsp bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

4. Simmer the Soup:
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
- Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Cook the Pasta:
- While the soup is simmering, bring a separate pot of water to a boil for the pasta.
- Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Once boiling, add the 4 oz gluten-free acini di pepe pasta.
- Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 5-7 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.

6. Combine Pasta with Soup:
- After the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, add the cooked and drained pasta to the pot.
- Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

7. Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a sprinkling of the 4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese.

This beef, tomato, and acini di pepe soup is sure to become a family favorite. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for any occasion. Top it off with some grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy a warm, delicious bowl of homemade soup!

Beef, tomato and acini di pepe soup FAQ:

How long does this soup take to bake or simmer?

The soup takes about 20 minutes to simmer after bringing it to a boil. Overall, including preparation, the entire dish is ready in about one hour.

What kind of beef should I use for this soup?

Using 80/20% ground beef is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can substitute with leaner ground beef or even ground turkey for a lighter option.

Can I store leftover soup?

Yes, store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, but the pasta may become softer upon reheating.

What can I use instead of acini di pepe pasta?

If you can’t find acini di pepe, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes such as orzo or ditalini. Just ensure they are gluten-free if necessary.

How do I know when the soup is done cooking?

The soup is done once the vegetables are soft and the flavors have melded after simmering for 20 minutes. The pasta should be cooked al dente before adding it to the soup.

Tips:

- For a lower-fat version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

- Make sure to dice the vegetables uniformly for even cooking.

- If you don’t have acini di pepe pasta, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini.

- Adding a splash of red wine can enhance the depth of flavor in the soup.

- For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.

- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition per serving

6 Servings
Calories 290kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 15g
Fiber 3.57g
Sugar 4.91g
Fat 18g

Beef, tomato and acini di pepe soup