Pasta E Fagioli Soup
A hearty, flavorful Italian-inspired soup combining ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1 cup carrots, julienned ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 clove chopped garlic ⓘ
- 2 cans chopped stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 small jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 3 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can navy beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can pinto beans, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown hamburger meat and onions; drain.
- Add all other ingredients except beans and pasta to the pot.
- Simmer for 1 hour.
- Cook pasta for 5 minutes; drain.
- Add beans and cooked pasta to the soup.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Adjust water to reach desired consistency if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger. You can also substitute fresh herbs for dried ones; just use three times the amount of fresh basil and oregano. If you want a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the soup a nice kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an Italian twist, consider serving it with Low-Fat Calzones or alongside Spaghetti Meat Sauce And Meat Balls for a delightful Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pasta E Fagioli Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in a bowl, covering it loosely to avoid splatters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta E Fagioli Soup contains roughly 974 calories, with 46g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (172% of the Daily Value), iron (156% of the Daily Value), and protein (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2602mg per serving (113% 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 this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Pasta E Fagioli Soup ahead of time. In fact, the flavors will meld beautifully if you let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Just be sure to store the pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
What kind of pasta works best in this soup?
Short pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work best in Pasta E Fagioli. They hold their texture well and fit nicely into each spoonful. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Pasta E Fagioli Soup freezes well. Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or microwave.
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).