Linda'S Italian Bean And Pasta Soup
Linda's Italian Bean and Pasta Soup combines hearty beans, pasta, and savory spices, offering a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water ⓘ
- 6 teaspoons beef base or 6 cups beef broth ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans
- 1 (15 oz.) can red beans
- 1 (15 oz.) can white beans ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped fine onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 4 cloves chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 cup small seashell pasta or any small pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, combine water, beef base or broth, crushed tomatoes, black beans, red beans, white beans, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, while preparing the remaining ingredients.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground chuck slowly, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- When the meat is almost done, add the chopped onions, slivered carrots, chopped celery, and chopped garlic. Cook until the meat is well browned and the vegetables are tender.
- Drain the cooked meat and vegetable mixture, leaving a little fat for flavor.
- Add the browned meat mixture to the simmering bean and tomato mixture.
- Add the small seashell pasta or your choice of small pasta to the soup. Cook until the pasta is tender.
- If the soup needs more liquid, add water as needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread and a fresh salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground chuck with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adjust the Italian seasoning according to your taste, and feel free to swap in any type of beans you have on hand. This soup pairs well with crusty bread for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It goes perfectly with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the soup. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Italian recipes like Italian Hamburger Casserole or a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This soup freezes well for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linda'S Italian Bean And Pasta Soup contains roughly 2244 calories, with 128g protein, 343g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (283% of the Daily Value), protein (256% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (246% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2809mg per serving (122% 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 use different types of beans in this soup?
Absolutely! You can use any combination of beans you like, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas. Just ensure they are canned and drained, or if using dried beans, that they are cooked beforehand. This flexibility allows you to customize the soup based on your preferences or what you have available.
How do I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the cooking process. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side for individual spice preferences. Experimenting with spices is a great way to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker! Brown the ground chuck and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time.
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).