Pasta Fagioli: A Hearty and Delicious Comfort Meal

Pasta Fagioli (pronounced “pasta fazool” in some Italian-American dialects) is a classic Italian dish that combines pasta and beans in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food—hearty, warm, and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or making a big batch to freeze for later, this Pasta Fagioli recipe is sure to be a hit. With its combination of tender ground beef, nutritious beans, fresh vegetables, and savory spices, it’s a meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare in a crockpot, making it a perfect option for busy days.

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Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. of ground beef: This adds heartiness to the dish, making it a filling and satisfying meal. Ground beef also provides a rich, savory flavor that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
• 1 onion, chopped: Onions are essential for adding depth of flavor. As they cook, they become soft and sweet, adding to the overall richness of the soup.
• 3 carrots, chopped: Carrots add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color. They’re also a great source of beta-carotene and fiber.
• 4 stalks of celery, chopped: Celery brings a subtle crunch and a slightly peppery flavor that balances the richness of the beef and beans.
• 2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained: The tomatoes form the base of the soup, adding a slight acidity and a burst of freshness that complements the heartier ingredients.
• 1 (16-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Kidney beans are a great source of protein and fiber. Their firm texture holds up well in soups, providing a hearty bite.
• 1 (16-ounce) can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Also known as cannellini beans, these add a creamy texture and mild flavor to the soup.
• 3 (10-ounce) cans of beef stock: Beef stock enhances the richness of the soup, creating a robust base that ties all the flavors together.
• 3 tsp. oregano: This herb adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor that’s essential in Italian cooking.
• 2 tsp. pepper: A bit of black pepper adds just the right amount of heat and spice.
• 5 tsp. parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herby flavor that balances the richness of the beef and tomatoes.
• 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce (optional): If you like a little heat, the Tabasco sauce adds a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1 (20-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce: Spaghetti sauce adds depth of flavor and ensures the soup is perfectly seasoned.
• 8 ounces of pasta: Traditionally, ditalini or small elbow pasta is used in Pasta Fagioli, but you can use any small pasta shape you like.

Directions:

1. Brown the Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess fat. This step ensures your soup isn’t greasy while still maintaining the rich flavor of the beef.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef is browning, chop the onion, carrots, and celery. These vegetables will add a beautiful medley of flavors and textures to your Pasta Fagioli. The onion adds sweetness, the carrots provide a touch of natural sugar and vibrant color, and the celery lends a mild peppery flavor and crunch.
3. Combine in the Crockpot: Transfer the browned beef and chopped vegetables to your crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), drained and rinsed kidney beans, white kidney beans, and beef stock. Stir in the oregano, pepper, parsley, and Tabasco sauce (if you’re using it). The Tabasco is optional, but if you enjoy a little heat, it can add a pleasant, subtle spice to the soup.
4. Add the Spaghetti Sauce: Pour in the jar of spaghetti sauce. This step adds a rich tomato flavor to the soup and ensures it’s perfectly seasoned. The spaghetti sauce also thickens the broth slightly, making it more substantial and comforting.
5. Slow Cook: Set your crockpot to low and cook the soup for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and it also makes the beef and vegetables incredibly tender. This hands-off cooking method is perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to stand over the stove.
6. Cook the Pasta: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook your pasta separately according to the package instructions. This ensures that the pasta is perfectly al dente and doesn’t get too soft or mushy in the soup. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the crockpot, stirring to combine. Cooking the pasta separately also prevents it from absorbing too much of the broth during the long cooking process, so your soup remains perfectly balanced.
7. Serve: Ladle the hot Pasta Fagioli into bowls and serve with crusty, warm bread on the side. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. You can also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Pro Tip:

• Freezing and Storing: This recipe makes a large batch, so if you have leftovers, Pasta Fagioli freezes wonderfully. Simply let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. It’s a great meal to have on hand for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying.

Why This Recipe Is a Hit:

• Hearty and Filling: With ground beef, beans, and pasta, this soup is incredibly hearty and filling. It’s a complete meal in a bowl that will leave you satisfied and warmed from the inside out.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of beef, beans, tomatoes, and Italian spices creates a rich, savory broth that’s bursting with flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, so it’s ideal for meal prepping. You can enjoy it throughout the week or freeze portions for later.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less Tabasco sauce.

Enjoy every comforting bite of this delicious Pasta Fagioli, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones—it’s a recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite!