Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup

Picture a hearty bowl of Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup, where the aroma of simmering herbs and rich tomatoes fills your kitchen.

This comforting Italian classic is incredibly easy to make, offering a cozy embrace with each spoonful.

As the flavors meld together over hours, the transformation from simple ingredients to a soul-warming dish is nothing short of magical.

Let’s bring this deliciously satisfying soup to life.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Crockpot
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Chef’s knife
• 1 Measuring cup set
• 1 Measuring spoon set
• 1 Stirring spoon

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup carrot, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup, follow this timeline:

1. Prep Work (20 minutes total):
   • Read through the recipe and gather all equipment and ingredients: 5 minutes
   • Chop the vegetables (onion, carrot, celery) and mince the garlic: 5 minutes
   • Brown the ground beef: 10 minutes
2. Cooking Activities (8 hours 10 minutes total):
   • Transfer cooked beef to Crockpot and add vegetables and garlic: 5 minutes
   • Add diced tomatoes, beans, beef broth, and pasta sauce; season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper: 5 minutes
   • Cover and set Crockpot to cook on low: 7 hours
   • Add ditalini pasta, stir, and continue cooking on low: 1 hour
   • Let soup rest: 10 minutes
3. Serving (5 minutes total):
   • Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve: 5 minutes

Recipe Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.

Transfer the cooked beef to the Crockpot.

Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the Crockpot.

Stir in diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, beef broth, and pasta sauce.

Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 7 hours.

Add the ditalini pasta to the Crockpot and stir well.

Cover and cook for an additional hour on low until the pasta is tender.

Turn off the Crockpot and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: Pair with a fresh side salad for a light and invigorating contrast to the hearty soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Enjoy alongside a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Complement with garlic breadsticks for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
• Parmesan Crisps: Top with homemade or store-bought Parmesan crisps for a crunchy and cheesy addition.

Storage

Store leftover Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup, let it cool completely.

Portion into airtight containers, and leave space for expansion.

Label with date and consume within three months for best flavor.

Reheating

To reheat Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup, transfer the desired amount to a pot.

Add a splash of beef broth.

Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

The slow-cooked flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying soup.

With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s an easy way to enjoy a homemade Italian meal.

Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you serve it as a main course or as part of a larger meal, this soup is sure to be a hit.

Enjoy the warm and inviting flavors of this classic Italian dish with your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta Instead of Ditalini?

Absolutely, you can switch out ditalini for another pasta like macaroni or shells. Just make certain it’s bite-sized for easier eating. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as different pasta shapes might need a bit more or less time.

Is It Possible to Make This Soup Vegetarian?

You can easily make this soup vegetarian by skipping the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add more beans or your favorite vegetables for protein and texture. It’ll still be delicious and hearty!

How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?

To make the soup gluten-free, substitute regular ditalini pasta with a gluten-free version. Confirm all other ingredients, like beef broth and pasta sauce, are certified gluten-free. You’ll still enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors.

What Is the Nutritional Information per Serving?

You’re curious about the nutritional information per serving, aren’t you? Each serving has approximately 350 calories, 15g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 20g protein, and 5g fiber. It’s a hearty, balanced meal perfect for cozy evenings.

Can I Prepare This Soup in an Instant Pot Instead?

You can definitely prepare this soup in an Instant Pot! First, brown the beef using the sauté function. Add remaining ingredients, except pasta, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Finally, add pasta and cook until tender.