Why Make This Recipe
Pasta Fagioli Soup is a classic comfort food that warms the heart and soul. It combines pasta, beans, and vegetables in a hearty broth, making it perfect for cozy family dinners. This recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also allows for endless variations to suit your family’s tastes. Plus, cooking it in a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, making dinner time a breeze!
How to Make Savory Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Can substitute with canola oil.)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (Can substitute with turkey or ground Italian sausage.)
- 2 cups Diced Carrots (Fresh or frozen.)
- 1 cup Diced Onion (Shallots can be substituted.)
- 1 cup Diced Celery
- 4 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh is best, jarred works as well.)
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes (Fresh chopped tomatoes can be used.)
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes
- 2 cans Red Kidney Beans (Can substitute with black beans.)
- 2 cans Cannellini Beans (Avoid if allergic to legumes.)
- 4 cups Beef Broth (Vegetable broth can be used as a lighter option.)
- 2 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 2 Bay Leaves (Remove before serving.)
- 1 cup Ditalini Pasta (Can substitute with another small pasta shape.)
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked beef to the crockpot.
- Add diced carrots, onion, celery, and garlic to the crockpot.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, and beef broth.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, pepper, salt, and bay leaves.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the ditalini pasta. Make sure to remove the bay leaves before serving.
How to Serve Savory Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup
Serve this hearty soup in bowls, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad to complete the meal.
How to Store Savory Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Savory Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it a day in advance and let the flavors meld together.
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini based on your family’s preferences.
- Adjust the Spice: If your family likes a little heat, add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and omitting the ground meat. Add some more beans or even lentils to maintain the protein content.
FAQs
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, you can use any beans you like! Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas would work well.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can make this recipe on the stovetop! Just simmer all the ingredients in a large pot until the pasta is cooked and everything is heated through.
Can I add more pasta?
Absolutely! If you like your soup heartier, feel free to add more pasta. Just make sure to adjust the broth accordingly.
Savory Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Beef
Description
A classic comfort food soup made with pasta, beans, and vegetables in a hearty broth, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 2 cups Diced Carrots
- 1 cup Diced Onion
- 1 cup Diced Celery
- 4 cloves Minced Garlic
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes
- 2 cans Red Kidney Beans
- 2 cans Cannellini Beans
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 2 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 cup Ditalini Pasta
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked beef to the crockpot.
- Add diced carrots, onion, celery, and garlic to the crockpot.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, and beef broth.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, pepper, salt, and bay leaves.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the ditalini pasta. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Enhance flavor by preparing a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian