Hearty Homemade Pasta Fagioli — A Cozy Italian Classic
Introduction
Pasta Fagioli is the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out. This rich, savory Italian soup is loaded with tender ground beef, fresh veggies, two kinds of kidney beans, and perfectly cooked pasta swimming in a tomato-beef broth bursting with herbs. Slow-cooked to meld the flavors, it’s a family favorite on chilly nights or whenever you crave a filling, nourishing meal. Fun fact: “Fagioli” means “beans” in Italian, and this humble dish dates back to Italian peasants who made hearty meals from simple pantry staples. Now, it’s beloved worldwide!
Pro Tip
To keep the pasta perfectly tender and not mushy, add it to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This way, it cooks just right and absorbs the delicious broth without overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic knots to soak up every last drop.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- A glass of robust red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the savory flavors beautifully.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock. Add extra beans or mushrooms for heartiness.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the Tabasco sauce or add red pepper flakes for a bolder heat.
- Low-Carb: Skip the pasta or swap with spiralized zucchini noodles (add fresh at the end).
- Slow Cooker to Stovetop: Make it on the stove for quicker prep—simmer all ingredients for 45 minutes, then add pasta and cook until tender.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet: For browning the ground beef evenly.
- Crockpot (slow cooker): Essential for low-and-slow cooking that develops deep flavors.
- Chopping board and knife: To prep your fresh veggies.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring ingredients in the crockpot.
Tips for Success
- Brown the ground beef well and drain excess fat to avoid greasy soup.
- Use fresh herbs if you can—they elevate the dish beautifully.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; add it near the end to keep texture.
- Stir the soup occasionally during slow cooking for even flavor blending.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving—sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper makes all the difference.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pasta Fagioli is incredibly easy to prepare yet tastes like it simmered all day in a trattoria kitchen. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings comforting warmth, wholesome ingredients, and rich Italian flavors to your table. Plus, leftovers are even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Recipe Card
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 4 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (16 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16 oz) can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 (10 oz) cans beef stock
- 3 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp pepper
- 5 tsp parsley
- 1 tsp Tabasco sauce (optional)
- 1 (20 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz pasta
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain fat and transfer beef to crockpot.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juice), both types of kidney beans, beef stock, oregano, pepper, parsley, Tabasco sauce (if using), and spaghetti sauce to the crockpot. Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the pasta to the crockpot and cook until tender.
- Serve hot with crusty bread and enjoy!
Nutrition Table (Estimated per serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 380 | 28g | 35g | 12g | 8g | 7g | 800mg |
FAQ
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Add fresh pasta when reheating for best texture.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells hold up well in this soup.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works nicely with the flavors.
Q: Can I prepare this entirely on the stovetop?
A: Yes, simmer all ingredients (except pasta) for about 45 minutes, then add pasta and cook until tender.
