Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage or lean ground beef
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage or ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes, white beans, and broth.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
  6. Add kale or spinach and cook for another 3–5 minutes.
  7. Stir in heavy cream if using and simmer for 2 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  9. Stir in Parmesan and garnish with fresh parsley.
  10. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.