High Protein Tomato Soup

About This Recipe

Upgrade your favorite prepared tomato soup with crispy balsamic ground beef crumbles, ricotta cheese, and fresh basil.

Ingredients

• 5 cups Tomato Soup (I used 2 containers of Trader Joe's Tomato Feta Soup (see notes)*)
• 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
• 16 oz Extra Lean Ground Beef
• 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• 2 Tablespoons Water
• 4 Frozen Crushed Garlic Cubes (or 4 cloves fresh)
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• ½ cup Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
• 1 oz Fresh Basil (chopped)
• Focaccia or Your Choice of Bread (optional)

Instructions

1. Add the soup to a saucepan over medium-low heat to warm. (Or microwave according to the instructions on its packaging.)
2. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat before adding the ground beef. Cook on both sides for 2-3 minutes until a nicely browned crust has formed before breaking the beef apart and fully cooking.
3. Add the vinegar, honey, water, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning to the cooked beef. Stir well and cook until the beef has absorbed the sauce and started to caramelize on the bottom, another 1-2 minutes.
4. Plate the warmed soup (about 1 ⅔ cup per serving) and top with the ⅓ of the beef, about 2 ½ tablespoons of ricotta, and freshly chopped basil. (I also like a pinch of red pepper flakes and a tiny drizzle of olive oil.)