Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli is a hearty and comforting dish that brings the warmth of Italian cooking to your dinner table. This recipe combines savory ground beef, nutritious veggies, and flavorful beans in a rich broth, making it perfect for cold nights or family gatherings. With its robust flavors and easy preparation, Pasta Fagioli is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Pasta Fagioli recipe can be prepared in just 55 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices, tomatoes, and beans creates a deeply satisfying taste that will impress your family and friends.
• Nutritional Value: Loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the vegetables and beans, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or paired with crusty bread for dipping, Pasta Fagioli fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge and even tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking Pasta Fagioli, gather some essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven or pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning. Its heavy base distributes heat well.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts on vegetables, enhancing your prep time.

Ingredients

To create a delicious bowl of Pasta Fagioli, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 3 ribs celery (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Beans and Broth

• 29 oz diced tomatoes (with the liquid, 2-14.5 oz cans)
• 15 oz dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth

Seasonings

• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp sugar

For the Pasta

• 8 oz Ditalini pasta

How to Make Pasta Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating your Dutch oven over medium heat.
1. Add the ground beef to the pot.
2. Cook until browned, about 7 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Once the beef is browned:
1. Drain off most of the grease.
2. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot.
3. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes until softened.
4. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to add flavor:
1. Add diced tomatoes (with their liquid), kidney beans, cannellini beans, tomato sauce, beef broth, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your soup simmers:
1. In a separate pot, cook Ditalini pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain pasta once cooked but firm.

Step 5: Serve

Finally:
1. Add drained pasta to your soup just before serving.
2. Top with fresh basil or grated parmesan if desired.

Enjoy this delightful bowl of Pasta Fagioli that warms both body and soul!

How to Serve Pasta Fagioli

Serving Pasta Fagioli is an opportunity to enhance its hearty flavors and make the meal more enjoyable. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of freshness.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread: A slice of warm, crusty Italian bread pairs perfectly with the soup, making it great for dipping.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the soup just before serving for extra flavor and richness.

With a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light mixed greens salad dressed with vinaigrette complements the heartiness of the soup nicely.

As a Main Dish

• Serve in Bowls: Ladle the Pasta Fagioli into deep bowls for a comforting main dish that warms you up.

How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli

Perfecting your Pasta Fagioli involves attention to detail and a few key tips to enhance its taste and texture.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef for a richer flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go. You can always add more herbs or spices according to your preference.
• Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy when added to the soup.
• Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat them gently on the stove.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with Pasta Fagioli enhances your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic option; simply toast slices of bread with garlic butter for added flavor.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing side.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition; try zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots.
4. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing and croutons complements the warmth of the soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, vegetables, and herbs provide a substantial side that matches well.
6. Antipasto Platter: Serve cured meats (like turkey), olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables for variety and taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Pasta Fagioli turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using Too Much Grease: Draining excess grease after browning the beef is crucial. Leaving too much can make the dish greasy and unappetizing.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the soup.
• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables enhances flavor. Don’t rely solely on canned products; fresh adds a vibrant taste.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Ensure you season your broth properly. Taste as you cook and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs for balanced flavor.
• Not Simmering Long Enough: Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld flavors together. A quick cook won’t yield the same depth of taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Pasta Fagioli

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Pasta Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a covered dish, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pasta Fagioli?

Pasta Fagioli is a classic Italian soup made with pasta and beans, often enriched with meat and vegetables for added flavor.

Can I use other types of meat in Pasta Fagioli?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or lamb for ground beef if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Is Pasta Fagioli healthy?

Pasta Fagioli can be healthy as it contains protein from beans and meat along with fiber from vegetables. Adjust ingredients for dietary preferences.

How can I customize my Pasta Fagioli?

Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices for variety.

Can I make Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth while keeping all other ingredients intact.

Final Thoughts

Pasta Fagioli is a hearty, comforting dish that blends flavors beautifully. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether enjoyed as a family dinner or meal prep option, we encourage you to give this recipe a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Pasta Fagioli

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Pasta Fagioli is a delightful and wholesome Italian soup that combines savory ground beef, nutritious vegetables, and hearty beans in a rich tomato-based broth. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, offering robust flavors that warm both body and soul. With its quick preparation and versatile nature, Pasta Fagioli can be enjoyed as a main course or a filling side. Whether paired with crusty bread or savored on its own, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 3 ribs celery (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 29 oz diced tomatoes (with liquid)
• 15 oz dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 8 oz Ditalini pasta
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp sugar

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Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
2. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 10 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Combine diced tomatoes (with liquid), kidney beans, cannellini beans, tomato sauce, beef broth, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar into the pot. Simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
4. Cook Ditalini pasta separately according to package instructions until firm; drain.
5. Add the drained pasta to the soup just before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 75mg