Pasta Fagioli soup is a classic Italian comfort food dish. It's a hearty and flavorful soup made with tomatoes, white beans, pasta, carrots, and celery cooked in a delicious broth.
A sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of flavor to this satisfying dish. This easy soup recipe is the perfect meal for cold winter nights - it warms the soul and your tummy!
Let me show you how to make another one of my favorite Best Fall Soup Recipes.
Leave it to the Italians to create a soup recipe that's really more like a meal. For instance, Pasta Fagioli is such a hearty soup it's like a meal in a bowl!
All you need to serve alongside this recipe is a loaf of fresh baked bread and dinner is served. Or how about making and serving this soup in bread bowls for a fun presentation?
Try serving my Air Fryer Crescent Rolls as a bread/side dish option with this recipe.
Table of Contents
What's the Difference between Pasta Fagioli and Minestrone Soup?
For the most part, the main difference between Pasta Fagioli and Minestrone Soup is that minestrone soup has a lot of different vegetables added to the broth. In comparison to pasta fagioli which only has beans, just like it's name in Italian means, pasta and beans.
This soup is a hearty tomato-based dish that can be enjoyed as a filling meal. It contains tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and satisfying pasta.
For a quick and straightforward meal, you can give this Easy Tomato Soup recipe or Stuffed Pepper Soup a try.
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
Crock Pot Smart Pot Slow CookerMore InformationCrock-Pot 10-Qt. Express Crock Multi-CookerMore InformationSet of 4 Soup Bowls with Handles,More Information12oz Mini Casserole Dish, Ceramic Make, Easy toMore Information
Ingredients
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Then drain any excess grease and finally add the browned beef to the crock pot. Next add all the other ingredients to your slow cooker, except for the pasta. Finally, cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours.
Add the Pasta
Step 2: After the soup has been cooking for about 4 hours, add the pasta. Continue to cook for another 30 minutes. You can choose whichever small type pasta you know your family is going to like in the soup.
What if my Soup is too Thick?
As a result of adding the pasta to the soup, you may find that your soup is a little too thick. That's because pasta likes to absorb a lot of the liquid. If you do find your soup is too thick, just add a little extra broth to get it to the consistency you prefer.
Before You Begin!
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Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
This soup is hearty and can be a meal by itself. We love to serve homemade bread on the side. A light salad is always a good way complete the meal.
Yes! Simply follow the directions posted below, however, after the meat has browned, add it and the rest of the ingredients to a large stock pot, except the pasta. Cook over low heat for about an hour and then add in the uncooked pasta. Continue to cook for another 30 minutes while the pasta cooks.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Once the soup has cooled, transfer the soup into an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Freezer: You can also freeze the soup stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thawing and Reheating Tips: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. Once the soup is fully thawed, you can reheat it on the stovetop in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use a microwave or oven for reheating. Make sure you cover the bowl of soup so it doesn't explode over the inside of your microwave.
- FROM FREEZERS TO OVENS - Make your kitchen more efficient with this silicone ice cube tray with lid! Great for bone broth servings, recipes, meal prep, and portion-controlled meals,Aside from freezing soup, it can also be used for baking. It can withstand temperatures from minus 8 to 428 degrees Fahrenheit
More Soup Recipes to Love
Stress-Free Dinners for a Whole Month!
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Pasta Fagioli Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 carrots finely diced
- 2 stalks celery finely diced
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 15 oz can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 26 oz container beef stock (or 3 cups)
- 1 25 oz jar jar spaghetti sauce
- 2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ditalini pasta or your favorite pasta shape
Instructions
- In a large skillet that's been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray add the ground beef and begin cooking while breaking up the meat. Cook until the meat is browned about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Place the cooked ground beef in a colander to drain the excess grease.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the crock pot.
- Add all the other ingredients to the crock pot (except for pasta) and stir.
- Set slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes or so of cooking, add in the uncooked pasta and stir.
Notes
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2011 with new photos and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Gena Cordial says
I have made this for many years and it is delicious!! I use low fat ground turkey, brown with onions and proceed. I do not add carrots or celery, like to keep it basic. I use stewed tomatoes, italian style, diced tomatoes, and a small can of tomato sauce. I like to simmer it for about 2-3 hours on the stove in my dutch oven. Also use a lot of italian seasoning. This recipe is one of the greatest recipies to make. I always give some to family and friends.
Lois says
What a great idea to swap out the ground beef with ground turkey. Thanks for sharing!
morchella says
This soup is top notch.
It was so good .It got a five star rating from my hubby and chow hound kids.
Served up with Love says
This looks so yummy...going on my next menu to make. Love using my crockpot!
Cynthia L. says
I love super easy meals like this! There is everything you need in one pot! I am going to pin this and next time I need a good soup, it will be on my list.
Thanks you for sharing your wonderful recipe on Foodie Friends Friday! Don't forget to come back on Sunday and vote!
Aunt B says
Wow! Super simple and I'll bet it's delicious too. I've pinned this one. Thanks for sharing it.
Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says
Oh this looks so delicious!!
Lady Jane says
Well this is definitely a keeper. I copied it and put it in my recipes and will try this really soon. Thanks. Cheers. LJ Merry Christmas.
Tiffanee says
That looks and sounds delicious! It is my type of meal. I love the crock pot. Thanks!!
Blondee says
This does sound wonderful. I love soups and this one sounds like it's delicious! Will definitely have to try it! 🙂
Chatty Crone says
Yours looks better then at the Olive Garden!
sandie
Debbie says
YUM! Looks like a good meal for post-Christmas company! Thanks, Lois. Merry Christmas!
Maple Lane says
Hi Lois, This sounds wonderful and I actually have these ingred.'s on hand. It is because of your blog that I bought myself a slow cooker for Christmas this year!!! I love all your recipes. Through amazon, I got the Hamilton Beach slow cooker - it was $16 off the reg. price with free shipping!
About the slow cooker granola, many of the recipes I read, suggested leaving a wooden spoon handle between the lid to prevent burning. I did not have a problem with the granola burning, so I did not do this - just thought I better mention it to you.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Your friendship thru blogging is a blessing! Mildred
Jess says
Yummmm! My husband is Italian too!
Boy will he be surprised when I serve it up tomorrow.
Blessings Lois~
Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook says
What a nice, hearty meal to come home to, pasta e fagioli and biscuits! I'm sure your home smelled delicious, it looks delicious!
ArtyMarti says
You find the best recipes. Love the crock pot.
Stealthy Mom says
What a fine idea! (I'll have to work out a low-sodium version with tomatoes we have in the freezer. )
Debbie says
Oh wow I can smell it too. My hubby loves this kind of soup and always orders it at Olive Garden. I think I might make some of this up. Have a wonderful day Lois! HUGS
My Journey With Candida says
Being that my Hubs is Italian, we make this soup quite often. I had never had it until I met him, but now.... love it!!