Cheese Ravioli Soup with Tomato Broth Recipe
If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a hug in a bowl, you’re going to love this Cheese Ravioli Soup with Tomato Broth Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight meal—rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to throw together. I stumbled upon this combo when I wanted something cozy but quick, and it quickly became a family favorite. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through each step to make sure your soup turns out just right.
Why This Recipe Works
- Comforting & Quick: Combines hearty ravioli with flavorful tomato broth for a meal that’s ready in under 45 minutes.
- Flavor Harmony: Ground beef, Italian herbs, and tomato paste blend perfectly to make a rich, savory broth.
- Flexible Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples, so it’s easy to customize based on what you have.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy ravioli makes it a hit with picky eaters, making family dinners easier.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Cheese Ravioli Soup with Tomato Broth Recipe plays a key role, from that tender cheesy ravioli to the savory, herb-infused broth. Shopping for good-quality ravioli and fresh herbs really elevates the final dish.

- Cheese Ravioli: I prefer mini ravioli because they fit perfectly on a spoon and cook quickly, but standard size works great, too.
- Ground Beef: Adds meaty richness and depth; going lean helps avoid excess grease in the soup.
- Salt & Pepper: Basic but essential to bring all the flavors together.
- Garlic Powder: Gives that gentle garlicky warmth without overwhelming fresh garlic’s punch.
- Dried Basil & Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that create that signature tomato soup profile I love.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and intensifies the broth.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of our broth, providing robust, tangy body to the soup.
- Beef Broth: Adds savory umami that enhances the meat and tomato flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Stirred in at the end for a subtle cheesy finish that ties everything together beautifully.
Tweak to Your Taste
I like to keep the base simple but flavorful, then tweak it depending on the occasion. Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or sausage, or add some veggies if you want to punch up the nutrition.
- Veggie Boost: I sometimes toss in chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering for extra color and vitamins.
- Spicy Twist: A pinch of red pepper flakes kicked up the heat just enough for my spice-loving friends.
- Meat-Free Version: Try plant-based crumbles or omit the meat for a lighter option that still sings with flavor.
- Cheese Variety: Swap parmesan for pecorino Romano or add a dollop of ricotta on top for extra creaminess.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheese Ravioli Soup with Tomato Broth Recipe
Step 1: Brown the ground beef with love and seasonings
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef. I like to break the meat into small crumbles right away—that helps it cook evenly. Let it brown for about 5 minutes until it gets that gorgeous caramelized color. Now sprinkle in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, and oregano. Toss everything together and sauté for another minute to bloom those herbs and spices. This layering is where a lot of flavor builds, so don’t rush it.
Step 2: Build the tomato broth base
Next, stir in the tomato paste—this intensifies the tomato flavor and adds richness. Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth right after, stirring to combine. Crank the heat up to high and bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it bubble softly for about 20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to marry and the broth to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Cook ravioli just right
While that broth is simmering, boil your ravioli in salted water according to the package instructions. I find it takes around 3-5 minutes. Don’t overcook—they should be tender but still hold their shape because they’ll go back into the hot soup and keep cooking a bit more there. Then drain and set them aside. I usually toss mine with a tiny drizzle of olive oil to keep them from sticking.
Step 4: Finish with parmesan and assemble
Before serving, stir the parmesan cheese into the simmering broth—that adds a lovely creamy nuance. To serve, ladle some ravioli into your bowl and top with generous spoonfuls of the tomato broth. If you want, sprinkle a little extra parmesan and some fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for a bright finish.
Pro Tips for Making Cheese Ravioli Soup with Tomato Broth Recipe
- Don’t Skip Browning: Properly browning the beef adds a depth of flavor you just can’t get otherwise.
- Simmer Gently: Keeping the broth at a gentle simmer helps develop flavors without bitterness or burning.
- Cook Ravioli Separately: To avoid mushiness, boil ravioli apart from the soup and add it just before serving.
- Adjust Salt Last: Parmesan adds saltiness too, so taste your soup after adding cheese before adding extra salt.
How to Serve Cheese Ravioli Soup with Tomato Broth Recipe

Garnishes
I love topping this soup with freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley. Sometimes I add a swirl of good-quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes if I want a little heat. Those simple touches make all the difference and make each bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty soup perfectly, and if I’m feeling indulgent, a side of roasted veggies rounds out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to serve the ravioli and broth separately in pretty bowls, letting guests combine them at the table. It keeps the ravioli tender and makes for a fun, interactive meal. You can also garnish individual bowls with tiny basil leaves or edible flowers to impress your crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store the broth and ravioli separately in airtight containers. This keeps the ravioli from absorbing too much broth and turning mushy overnight. In the fridge, each should keep well for about 3 days.
Freezing
Freezing the broth is a breeze—but I avoid freezing cooked ravioli because it can fall apart after thawing. If you want to freeze the soup, freeze the broth alone and cook fresh ravioli when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat the broth gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. When hot, add your freshly cooked ravioli and heat through just for a couple of minutes. This keeps everything tender and prevents overcooking.
FAQs
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Can I make this Cheese Ravioli Soup with Tomato Broth Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. For added protein, toss in some cooked beans or mushrooms to keep the soup hearty and delicious.
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What type of ravioli works best in this soup?
Cheese ravioli, especially mini or bite-sized ones, work best because they cook quickly and are easy to eat with a spoon. Fresh or frozen ravioli both work, but frozen ravioli may need an extra minute of cooking.
- Can I prepare the soup in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the tomato broth and meat mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just cook the ravioli fresh before serving, as ravioli tends to get mushy if stored in the soup overnight.
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How do I store leftovers to keep the ravioli from getting soggy?
Store the ravioli and broth separately in airtight containers. Keep the ravioli dry in the fridge and add it to the reheated broth just before eating to ensure the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese Ravioli Soup with Tomato Broth Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want something genuinely comforting but hassle-free. It reminds me of cozy dinners at home with friends and family, where everyone went back for seconds. I hope you give it a try and find the same warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Trust me—you’re going to want to keep this one in your regular rotation!
Print
Cheese Ravioli Soup with Tomato Broth Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and comforting Ravioli Soup featuring tender cheese ravioli in a flavorful beef and tomato broth, seasoned with Italian herbs and finished with parmesan cheese. Perfect for a filling weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese ravioli or mini cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until browned. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir and cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
- Prepare the Soup Base: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth into the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Cook the Ravioli: While the soup is simmering, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese ravioli and cook according to the package instructions until tender and cooked through. Drain the ravioli and set aside.
- Finish the Soup: Stir the parmesan cheese into the simmered soup until melted and well combined. To serve, place a portion of ravioli in each bowl and ladle the hot soup over them. Top with extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use mini cheese ravioli for easier serving and eating in soup form.
- Fresh basil and oregano can be substituted for dried herbs for a fresher flavor.
- Beef broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium beef broth and adjust salt accordingly.
- This soup freezes well; store ravioli and soup separately for best texture upon reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg


