Dinner

Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Name: Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb. Ground beef; 1 Medium onion, chopped; 1 cup Chopped carrots; 1 cup Finely chopped celery; 4 cups Chicken broth; 3 cups Tomato sauce; 1 cup Dry small pasta, cooked to your liking (any small pasta will do); 1 can Diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 can Kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can Northern beans, drained and rinsed; 3 tsp Minced garlic; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tsp Basil; 1 tsp Oregano; ½ tsp Thyme; 2 tsp Granulated sugar; Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh parsley

ByCharlotte Montgomery November 12, 2025November 12, 2025

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Introduction

Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting Italian soup that combines hearty beans, tender ground beef, and small pasta in a savory tomato broth. This classic dish is both filling and flavorful, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

1 ½ lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup finely chopped celery
4 cups chicken broth
3 cups tomato sauce
1 cup dry small pasta, cooked to your liking
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp thyme
2 tsp granulated sugar
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can northern beans, drained and rinsed
3 tsp minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the ground beef into a large deep pot over medium-high heat and begin to brown.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the meat is browned completely and the vegetables are beginning to soften. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the basil, oregano, thyme, and minced garlic. Sauté for another 30 seconds to release the flavors.
Step 4: Reduce heat to simmer. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, and granulated sugar. Stir to combine. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in the drained beans and cooked pasta. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use any small pasta shape like ditalini or elbow macaroni for traditional texture.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Adding a splash of red wine during step 4 can deepen the flavor.
Rinse canned beans well to reduce excess sodium and improve taste.

Storage

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if the soup has thickened. This soup also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white triangular bowl filled with a thick tomato-based soup containing visible layers of small macaroni pasta, kidney beans, ground meat pieces, and sliced carrots, all mixed in a chunky red broth with herbs and tiny green specks. The soup surface is garnished with a small sprig of fresh green parsley. The bowl rests on a wooden board atop a white marbled surface, with a bunch of fresh curly parsley and a slightly blurred silver spoon in the background, all set against a soft red and white checkered cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in this soup?

Yes, you can substitute or add other beans like cannellini or black beans based on your preference. Just make sure they are cooked or canned and rinsed before adding.

Should I cook the pasta separately?

Yes, it’s best to cook the pasta separately to your preferred doneness and add it at the end to prevent it from becoming mushy while the soup simmers.