If you are craving a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, the Pasta E Fagioli Soup with Beef and Vegetables Recipe is exactly what you need. This hearty Italian classic brings together tender ground beef, wholesome beans, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta in a savory tomato and beef broth that simmers all day long for amazing depth of flavor. It’s a delicious meal that satisfies everyone at the table while being surprisingly simple to prepare, making it one of those go-to recipes you’ll want to make again and again in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to make this soul-soothing soup. Each one plays a crucial role whether it’s adding richness, color, texture, or that signature Italian aroma.
- Ground beef: Provides a rich meaty base that makes the soup hearty and filling.
- Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth to the broth when cooked down.
- Chopped carrots: Brings a subtle natural sweetness plus a lovely splash of color.
- Chopped celery: Gives crunch and an earthy undertone essential for classic soup flavor.
- Diced tomatoes: Inject vibrant acidity balancing the richness of beef and broth.
- Red kidney beans: Adds protein and hearty texture for a robust mouthfeel.
- White kidney beans: Offers creaminess and contrasts beautifully with the red beans.
- Beef stock: The flavorful liquid that ties all the ingredients together perfectly.
- Dried oregano: Infuses the soup with traditional Italian herbal notes.
- Pepper: Provides mild heat and enhances the overall seasoning.
- Parsley: Freshens up the dish with a bright, green freshness.
- Tabasco sauce (optional): Adds an extra kick for those who enjoy spicy warmth.
- Spaghetti sauce: Boosts tomato richness and thickens the broth wonderfully.
- Pasta: Small pasta shapes that soak up the flavorful broth, making every spoonful irresistible.
How to Make Pasta E Fagioli Soup with Beef and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by placing the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown it thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks until no pink remains, then drain off any excess fat. This step builds a rich foundation of meaty flavor that will permeate the entire soup.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the nicely browned beef to your crock pot, the kitchen hero for long, slow cooking. Add in the chopped onion, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes with their juices, both red and white kidney beans, and beef stock. Sprinkle in the oregano, pepper, and parsley, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of Tabasco sauce for subtle heat. Finally, stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce to give the soup a luscious, tomatoey body.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Set your crock pot to low and let all these beautiful ingredients mingle and cook together for 7 to 8 hours. If pressed for time, use the high setting for about 4 to 5 hours. This plenty of cooking time develops those rich, melded flavors that make this soup a standout meal.
Step 4: Add Pasta
When it’s nearly time to eat, about 30 minutes before serving, add the pasta straight into the crock pot. Give it a gentle stir and let the pasta cook until tender but still with a perfect bite. This step ensures the pasta soaks up the goodness without becoming mushy.
How to Serve Pasta E Fagioli Soup with Beef and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese really elevates this soup. A drizzle of good olive oil or a tiny splash of extra Tabasco can bring added layers of flavor, making your presentation as inviting as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with this rustic soup than crusty warm bread for dipping and soaking up every last drop. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast, balancing out the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Pasta E Fagioli Soup with Beef and Vegetables Recipe in charming ceramic bowls to highlight its rich colors. For a fun twist, you could hollow out some mini bread bowls to make edible serving vessels, turning your meal into a cozy experience everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop as it rests, making the soup taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave out the pasta if you plan to freeze it, as it can get mushy when thawed—add fresh pasta when reheating instead.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent scorching, adding a bit of broth or water if needed to loosen the consistency. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! While beef gives a rich flavor, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version that’s just as tasty, though the soup will have a different depth of flavor.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal because they cook quickly and evenly, blending perfectly with the soup’s texture.
Is it possible to make this soup on the stovetop instead of a crock pot?
Yes, you can simmer all ingredients in a large pot on the stove for about 1.5 to 2 hours over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding pasta in the last 15-20 minutes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the beef and use vegetable broth instead. You might want to add extra beans or some mushrooms to maintain the soup’s hearty texture and flavor.
How spicy does the Tabasco sauce make the soup?
Just a teaspoon adds a mild heat that beautifully lifts the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance. It’s completely optional and easy to adjust to your preference.
Final Thoughts
There is something so special about the Pasta E Fagioli Soup with Beef and Vegetables Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite. It’s easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and bursting with layers of flavor that bring everyone to the table with a smile. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe promises to deliver comfort and satisfaction in every spoonful. Go ahead, give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.
Print
Pasta E Fagioli Soup with Beef and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Pasta Fagioli recipe combines ground beef, vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Slow-cooked to meld the tasty ingredients together, it’s a comforting and satisfying Italian-American classic perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 4 stalks of celery, chopped
Beans and Tomatoes
- 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16 ounce) can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids and Seasonings
- 3 (10 ounce) cans beef stock
- 3 tsp. oregano
- 2 tsp. pepper
- 5 tsp. parsley
- 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce (optional)
- 1 (20 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
Pasta
- 8 ounces of pasta
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Once browned, drain off the excess fat to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the browned beef to a crock pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juice), red and white kidney beans, beef stock, oregano, pepper, parsley, Tabasco sauce if using, and the jar of spaghetti sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Cook: Cover and set the crock pot to low heat. Allow the soup to cook for 7-8 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. Alternatively, set to high heat and cook for 4-5 hours for a quicker option. Slow cooking allows flavors to marry and the vegetables to soften perfectly.
- Add Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the pasta directly into the crock pot to cook in the flavorful broth. This timing ensures the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Serve: Once the pasta is cooked through, ladle the pasta fagioli into bowls and serve hot. Accompany with crusty warm bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of beef stock or cook uncovered for the last hour.
- You can adjust the heat by modifying or omitting the Tabasco sauce according to your taste.
- Use short pasta like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells for authentic texture.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
