If you are searching for a heartwarming and satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, the Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe is your perfect match. This comforting Italian-inspired soup marries tender ground beef, a bounty of colorful vegetables, flavorful beans, and hearty pasta in a savory tomato base that’s been slowly simmered to perfection. Whether you’re gearing up for a chilly evening or craving something wholesome and filling, this soup promises layers of taste and texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, collectively bringing vibrant flavors, rich textures, and colorful appeal to the table. Each component plays a crucial role, from the robust beef to the fresh vegetables and hearty beans, creating a symphony of tastes.
- Ground beef (2 lbs.): Provides the rich, savory heart of the soup and adds a satisfying protein punch.
- Onion (1, chopped): Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the flavor base.
- Carrots (3, chopped): Bring natural sweetness and a nice pop of color.
- Celery (4 stalks, chopped): Contributes a subtle earthiness and a little crunch.
- Diced tomatoes (2 cans, 28 oz. each, undrained): Build the robust, savory tomato foundation.
- Red kidney beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Add creaminess and protein, complementing the beef beautifully.
- White kidney beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Enhance texture variety and mild nuttiness.
- Beef stock (3 cans, 10 oz. each): Infuses extra richness and moisture to make every spoonful luscious.
- Oregano (3 tsp.): Provides a classic Italian herb note and earthy aroma.
- Pepper (2 tsp.): Adds warmth and a gentle spicy kick to balance flavors.
- Parsley (5 tsp.): Offers freshness and a hint of brightness.
- Tabasco sauce (1 tsp., optional): A touch of heat for those who love a little zing.
- Spaghetti sauce (1 jar, 20 oz.): Brings an extra depth of tomato flavor and smoothness.
- Pasta (8 oz.): The perfect hearty texture to soak up all the delicious broth.
How to Make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning the 2 pounds of ground beef. This step is crucial because it builds a rich, meaty flavor base for the soup. Once the beef is nicely browned, be sure to drain off the excess fat—it keeps the soup from getting greasy and allows the other flavors to shine.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Next, transfer the browned beef to your crock pot, and add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, drained red and white kidney beans, and all three cans of beef stock. Sprinkle in the oregano, pepper, parsley, and optional Tabasco sauce for a little kick. Finally, stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce. This combination promises a hearty, robust flavor that will only deepen during the slow cooking process.
Step 3: Slow Cook for Deep Flavor
Set your crock pot to low and let the soup cook for 7 to 8 hours if you have the time; otherwise, use the high setting for 4 to 5 hours. This slow simmer is the magic that allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a soup bursting with savory richness and tender vegetables.
Step 4: Add Pasta Near the End
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the pasta. This timing ensures that the noodles cook perfectly without turning mushy, soaking up just the right amount of broth. It also keeps the pasta tender and supple, making every bite delightful.
How to Serve Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe, top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and a silky finish. These simple touches enhance the flavor and make the presentation inviting.
Side Dishes
This soup is spectacular on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or warm garlic knots for soaking up every last drop of broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also add a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming family-style presentation, serve the soup in rustic ceramic bowls or deep soup mugs. You can also ladle it into small bread bowls for an impressive and cozy meal. Garnishing each bowl with a sprig of fresh herbs and a dash of grated cheese adds an elegant touch that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop even after cooking, making leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some room as the soup will expand when frozen. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remember to add fresh pasta after thawing to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen it up. If pasta was added before freezing, it might be best to add fresh pasta during reheating for optimal texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and will work well in this soup, though the flavor will be slightly lighter. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to compensate for the milder taste.
What kinds of pasta work best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal because they blend seamlessly with the beans and vegetables, creating a harmonious bite every time.
Is it possible to make this soup on the stovetop instead of a crock pot?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, combine everything in a large pot and simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and vegetables are tender.
Can I omit the Tabasco sauce?
Definitely. The Tabasco adds a subtle heat, but the soup will still be delicious without it. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your family’s preference.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with hearty mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock. The beans and vegetables will still provide plenty of robust flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe that makes it a cherished staple for cozy dinners and family gatherings. Its blend of textures, rich flavors, and effortless preparation make it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. So grab your crock pot, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowl of pure comfort and warmth today!
Print
Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Pasta Fagioli recipe combines ground beef, vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful tomato and beef broth base, slow-cooked to perfection for deep, comforting flavors. Ideal for a satisfying family meal, it offers a classic Italian-inspired taste that is easy to prepare using a crock pot.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 4 stalks of celery, chopped
Canned Goods and Liquids
- 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16 ounce) can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 (10 ounce) cans beef stock
- 1 (20 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
Seasonings
- 3 tsp. oregano
- 2 tsp. pepper
- 5 tsp. parsley
- 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce (optional)
Other
- 8 ounces of pasta
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat to reduce grease in the final dish.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the browned beef to a crock pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, undrained diced tomatoes, drained red and white kidney beans, beef stock, oregano, pepper, parsley, Tabasco sauce if using, and spaghetti sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot and set it to low temperature. Let the soup cook for 7-8 hours, allowing all flavors to meld together and vegetables to become tender. If short on time, cook on high for 4-5 hours instead.
- Add Pasta: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, stir in the 8 ounces of pasta into the crock pot. This allows the pasta to cook through and absorb some of the rich broth without becoming mushy.
- Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, spoon the Pasta Fagioli into bowls and serve hot, ideally with crusty warm bread on the side for dipping and added texture.
Notes
- If you prefer vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.
- Adjust Tabasco sauce to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder flavor.
- Use sturdy pasta shapes like ditalini or small shell pasta to hold up well during slow cooking.
- For a thicker stew-like consistency, reduce the amount of beef stock used or cook uncovered for the last hour to evaporate some liquid.
- This recipe reheats well and flavors intensify after resting overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
