Name: Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 7 h 10 min
Total time: 7 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 2 whole carrots, diced; 4 celery stalks, diced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 2 (14.5 ounce) cans beef broth; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 whole bay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste (1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper recommended); 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup ditalini pasta, uncooked

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This Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It combines tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, flavorful beans, and the perfect little ditalini pasta all simmered together to create a soup that is both filling and full of rich, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re cozied up on a chilly afternoon or need a crowd-pleasing meal, this classic Italian dish brings joy and heartiness with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black frying pan with a long black and silver handle is filled with cooked ground meat that is brown and crumbly. The meat is spread evenly inside the pan, showing a textured surface with small browned bits throughout. The pan sits on a wooden surface with worn patches and a rustic look, but the background should be a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step towards making this soul-satisfying soup. Each adds a special layer of flavor, texture, or color, transforming everyday pantry staples into something truly memorable.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps brown the beef to build deep flavor.
Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory base for the soup.
Carrots (diced): Offer natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
Celery stalks (diced): Bring freshness and subtle crunch to balance the richness.
Medium onion (diced): Infuses the broth with aromatic depth and warmth.
Crushed tomatoes (28 ounce can): Add acidity and a luscious, rich tomato flavor.
Beef broth (2 x 14.5 ounce cans): Creates a flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that elevates the dish with traditional herb notes.
Bay leaves (2 whole): Impart subtle earthiness and complexity to the slow-cooked soup.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
Cannellini beans (15 ounce can, drained and rinsed): Creamy beans that add protein and texture.
Red kidney beans (15 ounce can, drained and rinsed): Contribute heartiness and a beautiful color contrast.
Ditalini pasta (1 cup uncooked): Tiny pasta that holds soup well for a satisfying bite.

How to Make Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This step is crucial because browning the meat adds a rich, savory flavor that forms the backbone of your soup.

Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef into your slow cooker. Then add the diced carrots, celery, onion, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. This combination will simmer gently to meld those vibrant, rustic flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, allowing time for the flavors to develop deeply, or on high for 3 to 4 hours if you need to hurry. The slow cooker is magic here, tenderizing everything perfectly and bringing out the comforting heartiness this soup is known for.

Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the drained cannellini and red kidney beans as well as the ditalini pasta. This timing ensures the pasta cooks just right, maintaining a lovely al dente texture without becoming mushy, and the beans heat through without losing their shape.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Remove the bay leaves, taste the soup, and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This is your moment to perfect the balance. Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s hot and get ready to enjoy every soul-warming bite.

How to Serve Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a thick stew inside a black slow cooker. The stew has several layers of ingredients mixed together, including small pasta rings that are pale yellow, dark red kidney beans, white beans, diced bright orange carrots, green celery pieces, and ground meat in small crumb-like bits. The base of the stew is a rich red tomato sauce that covers all the ingredients evenly. A wooden spoon with a textured handle is stirring the stew, lifting some of the ingredients above the surface. The texture appears chunky and hearty. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a little something special on top makes your Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe shine. Try freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil, or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. These touches bring brightness and a visually pleasing finish.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, like a warm garlic baguette or sourdough, ideal for dipping and soaking up every flavorful drop. A crisp simple salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the soup’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic bowls for a homey feel, or get festive by topping with a swirl of crushed red pepper flakes or a dollop of ricotta for creaminess. You can even offer a small side of grated cheese and chili flakes for guests to customize their bowls, making every spoonful a personal delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in airtight containers to preserve the flavors and texture. The soup might thicken as it sits, so add a little broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully and makes for a quick, delicious meal later on. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your soup over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the consistency is too thick, add a splash of broth or water. Avoid reheating in the microwave without stirring to keep the pasta evenly warmed and maintain the soup’s delightful texture.

FAQs

Can I make this soup without the ground beef?

Absolutely! You can easily omit the ground beef for a vegetarian version. Consider adding extra beans or vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to keep it hearty and flavorful.

What type of pasta is best for Pasta e Fagioli?

Ditalini pasta is traditional because its small size complements the soup’s ingredients perfectly. If you can’t find it, small elbow macaroni or orzo work well as substitutes.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but plan to soak and cook dried beans separately before adding them 30 minutes before serving. Canned beans save time and are convenient for this recipe.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Definitely! This Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking and enjoying later without losing any of its hearty, comforting qualities.

How do I adjust the seasoning for a lower sodium version?

Simply reduce or omit added salt and use low-sodium beef broth and canned beans to control sodium. Taste the soup towards the end of cooking and adjust seasonings carefully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite to have in your recipe collection. It’s easy, tasty, and filling with layers of flavor that warm the heart and satisfy the hunger. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this soup as much as I do—it’s comfort food at its finest!