Italian-Style Beef & Bean Soup: Protein, Fiber & Flavor… Oh My!

Italian-style beef & bean soup made with simple ingredients, rich flavor, and plenty of protein and fiber.

There’s something deeply comforting about having a reliable soup recipe you can come back to again and again.

Not a soup that’s just hot and filling, but one that actually nourishes you, supports energy, keeps you satisfied, and feels good in your body. This Italian-style beef and bean soup is exactly that kind of meal.

It’s hearty without being heavy, it's rich in protein and fiber, and made with simple, recognizable ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The kind of soup you can make once and enjoy all week long.

Why This Soup Works So Well

This recipe brings together everything I love in a nourishing, real-life meal:

• High protein from lean beef (or turkey) and beans to help you feel satisfied

• Fiber-rich vegetables and legumes to support digestion and steady energy

• Simple Italian-style flavors that feel comforting without being fussy

• Flexible options make it easy to swap proteins or go meat-free

• Meal-prep friendly and freezer-friendly for busy weeks

It’s the kind of soup that fits beautifully into a balanced approach to eating without tracking, restriction, or perfection.

A Small (But Mighty) Library of Nourishing Soups

Over time, I’ve realized I’ve quietly built a small collection of high-protein, vegetable-forward soups on the blog. These are the recipes I return to when I want something comforting and supportive.

Having a few reliable soups in rotation makes it so much easier to rely less on canned soups, which often tend to be high in sodium and low in protein and vegetables.

If you enjoy this Italian-style beef and bean soup, you might also love:

• Light & Nourishing Leftover Turkey Soup

  A cozy, practical way to turn leftovers into a deeply nourishing meal, especially when made with homemade bone broth.

  
  

• Protein-Packed Lentil Soup: Your Winter Comfort Bowl

  A hearty, plant-forward soup that delivers serious staying power thanks to lentils, vegetables, and warming spices.

  
  

• Lemon Thyme Chicken Soup with Kale & White Beans

  Bright, comforting, and protein-rich with a fresh, herby flavor that feels both soothing and energizing.

  
  

All of these soups are easy to prepare ahead of time, freeze beautifully, and help support consistent, nourishing meals throughout the week.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This flavorful beef and bean soup is ideal for food prep and leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

• Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months

• Flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day

This Italian beef and bean soup is hearty, nourishing, and easy to prep ahead. High in protein and fiber, freezer-friendly, and made with real, simple ingredients.

Italian-Style Beef & Bean Soup Recipe

Serves: 6 generous servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb ground lean beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 ribs celery, chopped

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 (15.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (15.5 oz) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed

• 1 (15.5 oz) can kidney beans (light or dark), drained and rinsed

• 4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 bunch kale, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbly pieces. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Stir in the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.

4. Add the garlic, oregano, and basil. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.

5. Stir in the tomato paste.

6. Add the diced tomatoes, beans, broth, bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Stir well.

7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

8. Add the chopped kale and cook for about 5 minutes more, until wilted.

9. Remove the bay leaf before serving and enjoy.

Make It Your Own

• Swap proteins: Ground turkey works beautifully

• Make it vegetarian: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth

• Add extra veggies: Zucchini, green beans, broccoli, or spinach all work well

• Finish with flavor: A sprinkle of Parmesan or red pepper flakes before serving

Save This Recipe for Later

If this looks like a recipe you’ll want to come back to, be sure to save or pin it so it’s easy to find the next time you’re craving a nourishing, comforting soup.

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Real food. Simple ingredients. Nourishment you can return to again and again.