Pasta With Beans Soup
A hearty pasta and bean soup with savory ground beef, fresh herbs, and tender macaroni, perfect for comforting family dinners and vegetarian adaptations.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can garbanzo beans ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can navy beans ⓘ
- 2 (10 1/2 oz.) cans beef broth ⓘ
- 2 (10 1/2 oz.) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package small shell macaroni, cooked ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sweet basil
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large Dutch oven or pan.
- Add chopped onion, canned tomatoes, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, navy beans, and beef and chicken broth; simmer for 15 minutes.
- Just before serving, stir in cooked small shell macaroni, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Serve immediately, sprinkled with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced carrots or celery along with the onions. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey is a leaner substitute. Feel free to use any combination of beans you have on hand, such as black beans or pinto beans, to add variety. Adjust the herbs to your taste; fresh basil can be a wonderful addition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty pasta and bean soup with a sprinkle of grated Romano or Parmesan cheese on top. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad pairs wonderfully, making it a complete meal. For a touch of spice, consider serving with hot sauce or a side of Spicy Chicken Wings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup thickens, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Beans Soup contains roughly 736 calories, with 33g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (123% of the Daily Value), and iron (110% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 888mg per serving (39% 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken and beef broth. You can add more beans or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to enhance the flavors.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the beans before adding them to the pot. Alternatively, simmering the soup uncovered for a bit longer will help reduce the liquid and achieve a thicker consistency.
What types of pasta work well in this recipe?
While small shell macaroni is used here, other pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even whole wheat options can work well. Just ensure to cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
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).