Benny'S Pasta E Fagioli
Benny's Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty, comforting Italian-inspired soup combining ground beef, a medley of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato-based broth. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, it offers bold flavors and versatile variations with different sauces.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 2 c. carrots ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce
- 2 tsp. dried oregano flakes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp dried parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 c. beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- 2 c. celery ⓘ
- 4 oz. macaroni or small shells ⓘ
- 5 c. water ⓘ
- 28 oz. jar Ragu Chunky Garden Style - Tomato, Garlic & Onion ⓘ
- 28 oz. jar Ragu Chunky Garden Style- Mushrooms & Green Pepper ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can red kidney beans
- 1 (15 oz.) can white kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Add bouillon granules to 1 cup water and set aside to dissolve.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Saute ground beef, stirring to break up slightly, until beef loses pink color.
- Add 2 cups of water, chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the bouillon mixture, dried oregano flakes, black pepper, dried parsley, and Tabasco sauce.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add 2 more cups of water (or enough to reach desired consistency), stir, and simmer for about 40 minutes until carrots and celery are tender.
- While soup simmers, cook, drain, and rinse the pasta (macaroni or small shells).
- Stir in drained and rinsed red kidney beans and white kidney beans.
- Add cooked pasta just before serving and stir through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried, or try substituting the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more beans or vegetables. To enhance the broth, you can incorporate a splash of red wine while sautéing the beef. This recipe can easily adapt to include your favorite Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Pasta E Fagioli with crusty Italian bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful touch. It pairs beautifully with Italian Spaghetti Pie for a comforting dinner spread. Don't forget to offer extra Tabasco sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the soup has thickened. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure to leave out the pasta until you're ready to serve to maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Benny'S Pasta E Fagioli contains roughly 1118 calories, with 45g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (177% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 945mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pasta E Fagioli ahead of time?
Yes, this soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. However, it's best to cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to keep it from becoming mushy.
What types of beans can I use in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for red and white kidney beans, you can substitute with other canned beans like cannellini or pinto beans. Just make sure they are drained and rinsed before adding them to the soup. This allows for a variety of flavors and textures to suit your preference.
Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this Pasta E Fagioli gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular macaroni or small shells. Also, double-check the labels on your bouillon granules and sauces to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious bowl without compromising your dietary needs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).