Warm & Cozy Pasta Fagioli Delight Recipe: A Homemade Favorite

Pasta fagioli brings hearty comfort straight to your kitchen with its rustic Italian charm.

Warm, nourishing ingredients blend together in a symphony of flavors that speak to traditional countryside cooking.

Mediterranean culinary wisdom shines through this simple yet remarkable dish that connects generations of home cooks.

Robust beans and tender pasta create a harmonious texture that satisfies deep hunger and warms your soul.

Rich aromas will drift through your home, promising a meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Nutritious and filling, this classic recipe offers a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates.

You can find yourself transported to a cozy Italian kitchen with every delightful spoonful.

Explore this culinary adventure and savor every comforting bite.

Pasta Fagioli Delight: What Makes It a Classic

• This Pasta Fagioli transforms ordinary ingredients into a soul-warming meal that hugs your taste buds with rich, meaty flavors and tender beans.
• The crock pot method creates an effortless cooking experience where you can toss ingredients together and let them simmer without constant monitoring, perfect for busy home cooks.
• Packed with protein, vegetables, and pasta, this recipe offers a balanced one-pot meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime a delightful gathering.
• Combining ground beef, multiple beans, and vegetables delivers a protein-packed, fiber-rich dish that feels indulgent while providing substantial nutritional value.

Ingredients for Pasta Fagioli Delight

• Ground Beef: Adds rich, hearty flavor and protein to the soup, choose lean beef for less grease.
• Kidney Beans, Cannellini Beans: Provides extra protein and creamy texture, great for adding substance to the dish.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base with deep flavor, creates aromatic foundation for the soup.

• Beef Stock: Creates the soup's liquid base, provides rich meaty background flavor.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Adds depth and tomato richness to the soup, helps build complex flavor profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides bright, fresh tomato element to the soup.
• Oregano, Parsley, Black Pepper, Salt: Essential herbs and spices for seasoning, enhances overall taste balance.

• Pasta: Adds hearty texture and makes the soup more filling, cooks directly in the soup for maximum flavor absorption.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking during beef browning, helps with easy cooking cleanup.

Cooking Instructions for Pasta Fagioli Delight

Step 1: Sizzle the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Toss in ground beef and cook over medium heat. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon, letting it turn golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-6 minutes, creating delicious caramelized edges.

Step 2: Remove Excess Fat

Pour the browned beef into a colander, letting the extra grease drain away. This step ensures your soup isn’t overly greasy and keeps the flavors clean and rich.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery
• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Cannellini beans
• Beef stock
• Spaghetti sauce
• Dried oregano
• Fresh parsley
• Cracked black pepper
• Kosher salt

Gently stir everything, creating a symphony of textures and aromas.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours, or high heat for 4-5 hours. This gentle cooking process allows all the ingredients to mingle and develop deep, comforting flavors.

Step 5: Introduce the Pasta

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle in uncooked pasta. Let it simmer until tender and fully absorbed into the soup’s rich broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serve hot and enjoy your rustic, hearty Pasta Fagioli that feels like a warm hug in a bowl!

Tips for Perfect Pasta Fagioli

• Sear for Flavor Depth: Brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, caramelized flavors that will enhance the overall taste of your Pasta Fagioli.
• Drain Excess Fat: Carefully remove grease from browned beef to keep the soup lighter and prevent an overly greasy texture.
• Layer Seasonings Strategically: Add herbs like oregano and parsley early in the cooking process to allow their flavors to fully infuse into the soup.
• Monitor Pasta Cooking: Add uncooked pasta in the final 30 minutes to prevent overcooking and ensure a perfect al dente texture.
• Customize Bean Variety: Feel free to experiment with different bean combinations to create your unique twist on this classic comfort dish.

Storing Leftovers from Pasta Fagioli Delight

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Pasta Fagioli in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the soup will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Pasta Fagioli can be frozen for up to 3 months, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef stock to restore moisture if needed. Avoid microwaving to prevent pasta from becoming mushy.

What to Pair with Pasta Fagioli Delight

• Savor with Rustic Red Wine: Complement the hearty pasta fagioli with a bold Chianti or Sangiovese, whose robust flavors and medium tannins perfectly match the rich beef and bean soup.
• Pair with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth and add a delightful crunch that enhances the soup's texture and flavor profile.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting dish.
• Finish with Parmesan Sprinkle: Top the pasta fagioli with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a salty, nutty depth and brings out the wonderful layers of herbs and meat in the soup.

Variations on Traditional Pasta Fagioli

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Swap ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein. Add extra mushrooms for a hearty, meaty texture without animal products.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced green chiles, cumin, and smoked paprika. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with cornbread for a southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace beef stock with chicken or vegetable broth. Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and a splash of white wine. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean touch.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Edition: Use gluten-free pasta and verify all ingredient labels. Ensure beef stock is certified gluten-free to maintain the recipe's integrity for sensitive diners.

FAQs for Pasta Fagioli Delight

• Can I make this recipe without a crock pot?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer the ingredients on low heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, and add pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or additional beans like black beans or chickpeas. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock for a complete vegetarian version.

• Can I freeze Pasta Fagioli?

Absolutely! This soup freezes wonderfully. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, you might need to add a little extra broth since pasta absorbs liquid during freezing.

• What are good side dishes to serve with this soup?

Crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad complement this hearty soup perfectly. A sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese on top also adds extra flavor.

Pasta Fagioli Delight Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli warms winter nights with rustic charm and rich flavors dancing through each comforting spoonful. Savory beans, tender pasta, and aromatic herbs invite you to savor authentic Mediterranean comfort in a single satisfying bowl.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced

Canned Ingredients and Liquids:

• 1 15 ounces (425 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 15 ounces (425 grams) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15 ounces (425 grams) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 26 ounces (737 grams) container beef stock (or 3 cups)
• 1 25 ounces (709 grams) jar spaghetti sauce

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste

Pasta:

• 1 cup ditalini pasta or your favorite pasta shape

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear the ground beef in a lightly greased skillet over medium heat, methodically breaking apart the meat with a wooden utensil until it achieves a rich, caramelized brown color, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Carefully transfer the cooked beef to a colander, allowing excess fat to drain completely, ensuring a leaner final dish.
3. Migrate the beef into a spacious slow cooker, creating a robust foundation for the hearty soup.
4. Introduce a medley of chopped vegetables: aromatic onions, vibrant carrots, and crisp celery, layering each ingredient to build depth of flavor.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, both kidney and cannellini beans, creating a textural landscape of legumes and vegetables.
6. Enhance the mixture with rich beef stock, a splash of spaghetti sauce, and a harmonious blend of dried oregano, parsley, black pepper, and a judicious pinch of salt.
7. Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring even distribution of seasonings and ingredients.
8. Configure the slow cooker to a low temperature setting, allowing the soup to simmer and develop complex flavors over 6-8 hours, or alternatively use high heat for 4-5 hours.
9. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, introduce uncooked pasta directly into the simmering liquid, letting it absorb the surrounding flavors and become perfectly tender.
10. Once pasta reaches an ideal consistency, remove from heat and serve steaming hot, ready to comfort and delight.

Notes

• Slow cooking transforms this hearty soup into a flavor-packed meal that develops rich, deep tastes over several hours.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess fat and prevent a greasy texture in the final dish.
• Uncooked pasta added in the last 30 minutes prevents overcooking and maintains the perfect al dente texture.
• Versatile recipe allows flexible cooking times: choose low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 4-5 hours depending on your schedule.
• Kidney and cannellini beans provide substantial protein and create a filling, nutritious one-pot meal perfect for cold days.
• Customize the soup’s consistency by adjusting liquid levels or adding extra vegetables for personal preference.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg