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Hearty Italian Beef and Bean Soup
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### How to Make It
1. **Brown the beef:** In a large soup pot, cook the ground beef (or stew beef chunks) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. **Sauté the aromatics:** Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. **Add the rest:** Stir in diced tomatoes, both types of beans, beef broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
4. **Simmer:** Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 25–30 minutes (longer if using stew beef, until tender). Stir occasionally.
5. **Taste and finish:** Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
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### Serving Suggestions
* Serve with crusty Italian bread or warm garlic toast.
* Add cooked pasta or rice for an even heartier version.
* A simple side salad rounds out the meal perfectly.
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### Make It Your Own
* **Go spicy:** Add crushed red pepper flakes or Italian sausage instead of beef.
* **Add greens:** Stir in spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
* **Vegetarian option:** Skip the beef and add more beans or mushrooms for a meatless twist.
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## A Soup That Feels Like a Hug
This **Hearty Italian Beef and Bean Soup** is everything you want in a homemade dish — cozy, flavorful, and filling. It’s a meal in itself and perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or when you just need something warm and grounding.
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Would you like a printable version of the recipe or meal prep tips to store and reheat this soup? I’m happy to help!
