A culinary masterpiece capturing the essence of fall, this Autumn Tortellini Soup with Beef Sausage offers a cozy embrace in a bowl. If you’re looking for a dish that warms your heart and fills your home with inviting aromas, you’ve found it! This soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and nutritious, yet simple enough to whip up without fuss. Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet evening at home, this recipe will surely become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence.
Family-Friendly: With tender cheese tortellini and flavorful beef sausage, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this soup ahead of time and reheat it, making dinner planning a breeze.
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of herbs, spices, and fresh vegetables creates a rich, satisfying broth that will have everyone coming back for more.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Autumn Tortellini Soup with Beef Sausage is easy because you only need simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound mild or spicy Beef Italian sausage, casings removed
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
8 cups (2 quarts) low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
5 ounces baby spinach or chopped kale
1 (19-ounce) package fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can adjust it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

Swap the protein: Try using turkey or chicken sausage if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or butternut squash for extra nutrition.
Make it spicy: If you love heat, consider adding jalapeños or increasing the red pepper flakes.
Go vegetarian: Substitute the beef sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth for a delicious meatless version.

How to Make Autumn Tortellini Soup with Beef Sausage

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before diving into cooking, take a moment to prepare your ingredients. Dice the onion, carrots, celery; mince the garlic; and remove the casing from the beef sausage. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable!

Step 2: Brown the Beef Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the beef Italian sausage and break it up as it cooks. Browning the sausage enhances its flavor and provides a savory base for your soup. Cook until it’s nicely browned—this will take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot while leaving some fat behind.

Step 3: Sauté Your Vegetables

Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté them for about 8-10 minutes until they soften. This step is crucial because it builds layers of flavor in your soup. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes during the last couple of minutes so they release their fragrance without burning.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, using your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—these bits are packed with flavor! Let everything simmer together for about five minutes so those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Simmer with Broth

Next, add low-sodium chicken broth along with the browned sausage back into the pot. Toss in dried Italian seasoning, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes—this allows all those wonderful flavors to develop even further!

Step 6: Cook Tortellini

Once your soup has simmered away happily, make sure it’s at a gentle simmer again before adding your cheese tortellini. Follow package directions to cook them until al dente—usually about 3-5 minutes if fresh or slightly longer if frozen.

Step 7: Add Greens

Stir in baby spinach or chopped kale until wilted—this adds vibrant color and nutrients! It’s such an easy way to boost healthiness while keeping things delicious.

Step 8: Cream It Up

If you want an extra touch of creaminess in your soup, now’s the time! Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half off heat. This step is optional but definitely brings comfort food vibes!

Step 9: Taste Test

Before serving up this deliciousness, give your soup another taste test! Adjust seasoning as needed—maybe add more salt or pepper depending on your preference.

Step 10: Serve Warm

Ladle your Autumn Tortellini Soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley and some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top—don’t forget some crusty bread on the side!

Enjoy every warm spoonful of this delightful Autumn Tortellini Soup with Beef Sausage!

Pro Tips for Making Autumn Tortellini Soup with Beef Sausage

Making the perfect Autumn Tortellini Soup with Beef Sausage is a breeze with these helpful tips!

Choose your sausage wisely: Selecting a high-quality beef Italian sausage will provide a deeper flavor profile. Whether you prefer mild or spicy, the choice will impact the overall taste of your soup.
Sauté vegetables thoroughly: Cooking the onion, carrots, and celery until they are soft enhances their natural sweetness. This step builds a solid foundation for your broth and adds depth to the soup.
Don’t skip the herbs: Fresh or dried herbs can elevate the flavors of your soup significantly. Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like basil or oregano for a personalized touch!
Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste your soup after it’s cooked and adjust the seasoning as needed. This ensures that every bowl is perfectly seasoned to your liking.
Make it ahead of time: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Consider making a large batch for leftovers or meal prep!

How to Serve Autumn Tortellini Soup with Beef Sausage

Serving up a warm bowl of this hearty soup is sure to impress! Here are some ideas to make your presentation delightful and satisfying.

Garnishes

Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bowl.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adding freshly grated Parmesan provides a rich, savory finish that complements the flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. It absorbs all those delicious flavors while providing a satisfying crunch.
Mixed green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup, offering a refreshing contrast.
Garlic knots: These soft and buttery knots are great for sopping up every drop of soup, adding an extra layer of comfort to your meal.
Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies, like Brussels sprouts or butternut squash, can enhance the autumn theme while providing additional nutrients.

With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy this comforting bowl of Autumn Tortellini Soup with Beef Sausage!

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Make Ahead and Storage

This Autumn Tortellini Soup with Beef Sausage is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop. Here’s how you can store it:

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
Transfer it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Let the soup cool entirely before freezing.
Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
For microwaving, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this comforting recipe.

Can I use other types of sausage for the Autumn Tortellini Soup with Beef Sausage?

Absolutely! You can substitute turkey sausage or chicken sausage if you prefer a lighter option. Just ensure that it’s seasoned well to complement the flavors of the soup.

How do I store leftovers of Autumn Tortellini Soup with Beef Sausage?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the beef sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. Add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

What kind of tortellini should I use in this recipe?

You can use either fresh or frozen cheese tortellini. Both options work well; just adjust cooking times as indicated in the recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Autumn Tortellini Soup with Beef Sausage as much as I do! It’s a warm hug in a bowl that showcases all the wonderful flavors of fall. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or sharing it with loved ones, it’s bound to bring smiles around your dinner table. Happy cooking!

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