Description
Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring ground beef, a medley of vegetables, beans, pasta, and rich tomato flavors. This classic, savory soup combines the earthiness of beans and ground meat with aromatic herbs and a touch of sweetness, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 ½ lb. Ground beef
- 1 Medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup Chopped carrots
- 1 cup Finely chopped celery
- 3 tsp. Minced garlic
Liquids and Tomato Base
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 3 cups Tomato sauce
- 1 Can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tsp. Granulated sugar
Beans
- 1 Can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 Can northern beans, drained and rinsed
Pasta
- 1 cup Dry small pasta, cooked to your liking (any small pasta will do)
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 2 tsp. Basil
- 1 tsp. Oregano
- ½ tsp. Thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Place the ground beef into a large deep-sized pot over medium-high heat and begin to brown it thoroughly until no pink remains.
- Sauté Vegetables: Mix in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the browned beef. Cook together, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and the vegetables start to soften. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Season and Saute Garlic: Add salt and pepper to taste along with basil, oregano, thyme, and minced garlic. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant to release the herbs’ aroma.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), and granulated sugar. Stir well to blend all ingredients together. Cover the pot and let it cook for 20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add Beans and Pasta: Stir in the drained kidney beans, northern beans, and cooked pasta. Cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve and Garnish: Dish the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Any small pasta shape can be used; cook it separately to your preferred tenderness.
- Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper near the end to avoid over-salting.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freezes nicely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Pasta e Fagioli Soup, Italian soup, hearty soup, bean soup, ground beef soup, tomato soup, comfort food
