Some days you want more than just soup—you want a meal that feels like home, with tender pasta, hearty beans, and a rich tomato broth that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe brings all of that comfort to your kitchen with simple ingredients and an easy, no-stress method.
You get a cozy bowl filled with pasta, beans, veggies, and savory ground beef, all in one pot that’s perfect for weeknights.
If you’ve been craving a classic Pasta E Fagioli Soup that’s family-friendly, filling, and made for dipping crusty bread, this is the one you’ll want on repeat.
🍅 Ingredients for Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

This recipe leans on pantry staples and fresh veggies to create a deeply flavorful Pasta Fagioli Soup that tastes like it came from a little Italian café, but fits real-life weeknights.
Protein & Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Tomato & Broth Base
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 6 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
Beans & Pasta
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
Seasonings
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
Finishing Touches
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Extra salt and pepper, if needed
This ingredient list gives you a flexible base for any Pasta Fagioli Recipe—easy to adjust, but always full of flavor.
🍲 How to Make Pasta Fagioli Soup (Stovetop or Slow Cooker)
You can make this Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe on the stovetop or as a Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli. Both methods keep things simple and rewarding.
Stovetop Method
Brown the meat
In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat if needed.
Sauté the vegetables
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the soup base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if using, and the bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
Simmer with beans
Stir in the kidney beans and cannellini beans. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for about 20–25 minutes so the flavors deepen and the veggies become tender.
Cook the pasta
Add the small pasta directly into the soup and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes 8–12 minutes depending on the shape. If the Pasta Fagioli Soup starts to get too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
Finish and serve
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe into bowls and top with fresh parsley or basil and a light sprinkle of parmesan, if you like.
Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Method
This version is perfect if you love Slow Cooker Pasta, Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli, and set-it-and-forget-it dinners.
Brown the meat first
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, seasoning with a little salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and transfer the meat to your slow cooker.
Layer in the vegetables and beans
Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Add Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.
Slow cook for flavor
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well blended.
Add the pasta at the end
About 20–30 minutes before serving, stir in the small pasta. Cover and let it cook in the hot broth until just al dente. This keeps your Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli from turning mushy.
Finish and serve
Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with fresh herbs and a light sprinkle of parmesan. It’s one of those Soup With Ground Beef recipes that feels both hearty and comforting.
📊 Benefits of Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
(Benefits table – not included in word count)| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Complete Meal in a Bowl | Protein, carbs, and fiber all in one cozy soup. |
| Flexible Cooking Methods | Make it on the stovetop or as a Slow Cooker Pasta dish. |
| Pantry-Friendly | Uses canned beans, pasta, and tomatoes you likely already have. |
| Family-Friendly Flavor | Mild, rich tomato base that appeals to both kids and adults. |
| Great Leftovers | Thickens slightly and tastes even better the next day. |
🧠 Tips, Swaps & Variations
This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is easy to customize so it fits the way you like to cook and eat.
Control the thickness
If you prefer a thicker Fagioli Soup, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer or mash a few beans with the back of your spoon right in the pot. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth.
Choose your pasta wisely
Small shapes like ditalini, elbows, or mini shells are ideal for Crockpot Pasta style soups. They soak up flavor without overwhelming the bowl.
Make it meatless
Skip the ground beef and add an extra can of beans for a vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth.
Boost the veggies
Add diced zucchini, baby spinach, or kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking. They melt right into the Pasta Fagioli Soup and add extra color and nutrients.
Add a little heat
If you like a kick, use spicy Italian sausage instead of beef, or increase the red pepper flakes. You’ll still keep the comforting profile of Pasta E Fagioli Soup, just with a bolder finish.
📦 How to Store, Reheat & Freeze Pasta Fagioli Soup
Storing
Let the Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe cool, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid and the soup will thicken, which many people love.
Reheating
Warm gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s thicker than you prefer. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing tips
For the best texture, freeze the Pasta Fagioli Soup without the pasta. Make the soup base with beans, beef, veggies, tomatoes, and broth; cool and freeze. When you’re ready to serve, thaw, heat, and cook fresh pasta right in the hot soup or separately, then combine. This keeps your Pasta Fagioli Recipe tasting fresh instead of mushy.
🙋♀️ FAQs About Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Can I use a different meat?
Yes. Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all work well in this Soup With Ground Beef style recipe.
Can I use only one type of bean?
Absolutely. If you only have kidney beans or only cannellini, use two cans of whichever you have on hand.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and be sure your broth is labeled gluten-free. The rest of the Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Do I have to brown the meat first for the slow cooker?
Browning adds flavor and improves texture, especially for Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli, but in a pinch you can add raw ground beef and break it up after it cooks through. Browning is still recommended when you can.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes. Make a big batch of Pasta Fagioli Soup and enjoy it for lunches and dinners throughout the week. Just add a bit of extra broth when reheating.
🍽️ How to Serve Pasta Fagioli Soup

This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is a full meal, but a few simple sides make it feel extra special.
- Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Add a simple green salad with Italian dressing for freshness.
- Top each bowl differently—extra herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of parmesan.
- Ladle into mugs for a cozy, casual Soup Dinner on busy nights.
However you serve it, this classic Fagioli Soup brings comfort and flavor in every bite.
🍴 Related Recipes You’ll Love
Keep the cozy soup streak going with these favorites from DishesMadeEasy.com:
🔗 Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ultra creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli—perfect for slow cooker nights.
🔗 Cajun Potato Soup
A spicy, creamy potato soup loaded with Cajun sausage and bold flavor.
🔗 Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder Soup
Hearty chicken, sweet corn, and a rich, creamy broth in a cozy chowder.
🔗 Crockpot Lasagna Soup
All the pasta-and-cheese comfort of lasagna in an easy, slow-cooked soup.
“One pot, all the cozy Italian flavor. Pin this Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe and save your next comfort-food night 💚 @dishesmadeeasy”
Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is pure Italian comfort: hearty beans, tender pasta, savory beef, and rich tomato broth—all in one cozy, family-friendly bowl.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or half Italian sausage)
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
6 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained
1½ cups small pasta (ditalini or elbows)
1½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 bay leaf
¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large pot; season and drain excess fat.
- Add onion, carrot, celery; sauté 5–7 minutes, stir in garlic.
- Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and seasonings; bring to a boil.
- Add both beans; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Stir in pasta and cook uncovered until al dente, 8–12 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot with fresh herbs and optional parmesan on top.
Notes
To make meatless, skip beef and double the beans.
For slow cooker version, brown meat first, then cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes.
Store in fridge up to 4 days; add broth when reheating if thickened.
Freeze without pasta for best texture—add fresh when serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 45mg

