This hearty pasta and bean soup recipe combines the robust flavors of fresh vegetables, herbs, pasta, and beans. It's a comforting, satisfying meal that's packed with protein and fiber, perfect for a cold day or when you're in need of something that will fill you up and keep you satisfied for hours.
The ingredients for this recipe are quite common and can be found in any supermarket. However, ditalini pasta and Italian seasoning might not be in your pantry. Ditalini pasta is a type of pasta that is shaped like small tubes. If you cannot find ditalini, any small pasta will do. Italian seasoning is a blend of dried oregano, thyme, and basil. You can make your own mix if you have these herbs.
Ingredients for Pasta and Bean Soup
Olive oil: Used for frying the ground beef and vegetables.
Ground beef: Adds protein to the soup. Can be substituted with chicken or turkey.
Onion: Gives the soup a savory depth of flavor.
Garlic: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Celery: Provides a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
Carrots: Adds color and sweetness to the dish.
Tomatoes: Gives the soup a tangy flavor.
Tomato sauce: Thickens the soup and adds richness.
Italian seasoning: Adds a robust, herbaceous flavor.
Beef broth: The base of the soup. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used for a different flavor.
Ditalini pasta: Small tube-shaped pasta that adds texture and heartiness to the soup.
Red kidney beans: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Great northern beans: These beans hold their shape well during cooking, adding texture and protein to the soup.
Parsley: Used as a garnish and adds a fresh, bright flavor.
One reader, Carrissa Post says:
This pasta and bean soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the combination of pasta and beans creates a hearty and satisfying meal. It's easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Pasta and Bean Soup
How to brown ground beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula until it's browned.
How to simmer soup: Once all the ingredients are added, bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
How to boil pasta: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the ditalini pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
How to adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed before serving.
How To Make Pasta e Fagioli Soup
You will love this pasta e Fagioli soup, an easy dinner option made with fresh veggies, ground beef, pasta, and beans all simmered in a flavorful broth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tspolive oil
- 1lbground beef
- 1onionfinely diced
- 2tspgarlicminced
- 1cupcelerysliced
- 3carrotspeeled, quartered, and sliced
- 15oztomatoesdiced, do not drain
- 24oztomato sauce
- 2tspItalian seasoningdried
- 6cupsbeef broth
- Salt and pepperto taste
- 1cupditalini pastauncooked
- 15ozred kidney beansdrained and rinsed
- 15ozGreat Northern beansdrained and rinsed
- 2tbspparsleychopped
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula.
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Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Add the celery, carrots, tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, beef broth, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
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Simmer for 15 to 18 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
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While the soup is simmering, boil the ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to package directions.
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Add the cooked pasta and beans to the soup, stir to combine. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired.
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Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 692.82kcal
- Fat: 18.84g
- Saturated Fat: 6.40g
- Trans Fat: 0.89g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.09g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.47g
- Carbohydrates: 90.43g
- Fiber: 19.57g
- Sugar: 12.75g
- Protein: 44.15g
- Cholesterol: 53.68mg
- Sodium: 1705.77mg
- Calcium: 197.10mg
- Potassium: 2618.34mg
- Iron: 10.38mg
- Vitamin A: 322.68µg
- Vitamin C: 27.76mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing Pasta and Bean Soup Flavor
To ensure that your pasta doesn't become too soft and lose its texture in the soup, it's best to cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving. This way, the pasta maintains its firmness and doesn't absorb too much of the soup's liquid, which could make it mushy. Additionally, if you have leftovers, store the pasta separately from the soup, so it remains al dente when you reheat it.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that require minimal pots and pans to reduce cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later.
Efficient multitasking: Utilize downtime, such as simmering or baking, to prep the next steps in the recipe.
Kitchen organization: Keep essential ingredients and tools easily accessible to expedite the cooking process.
Time-saving tools: Invest in kitchen gadgets like a food processor or slow cooker to simplify meal preparation.
Streamlined cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize post-cooking cleanup time.
Simplify seasoning: Use pre-mixed seasoning blends to cut down on measuring and prep time.
Smart substitutions: Substitute ingredients with pre-prepped or canned options to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Substitute Ingredients For Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef and will work well in this soup, providing a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate touch to the soup.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, providing a similar flavor profile.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a slightly sweet and anise-like flavor that can complement the soup, adding a unique twist to the dish.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and sweetness to carrots, making them a suitable substitute in this soup.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing convenience without compromising the flavor of the soup.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, adding a chunkier texture to the soup.
Italian seasoning - Substitute with dried oregano and basil: A combination of dried oregano and basil can be used as a substitute for Italian seasoning, providing similar herbal notes to the soup.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth, creating a vegetarian-friendly version of the soup.
ditalini pasta - Substitute with small elbow macaroni: Small elbow macaroni can be used as a substitute for ditalini pasta, providing a similar shape and texture to the soup.
red kidney beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans can be used as a substitute for red kidney beans, offering a different color and flavor to the soup.
great northern beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans can be used as a substitute for great northern beans, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor to the soup.
parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can be used as a substitute for parsley, adding a fragrant and herbaceous note to the soup.
Best Way to Present This Hearty Soup
Elevate the plating: As a chef, presentation is key. Use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup. The contrast of the pasta, beans, and vegetables will create an enticing visual appeal.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup just before serving. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness and elevate the overall presentation.
Consider the placement of ingredients: Carefully arrange the pasta and beans in the bowl, ensuring that each ingredient is visible and contributes to the overall aesthetic of the dish. This attention to detail will impress even the most discerning culinary professionals.
Use high-quality servingware: Opt for elegant, porcelain or earthenware bowls to serve the soup. The choice of servingware can enhance the perceived value of the dish and elevate the dining experience.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Before serving, drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the soup in a deliberate and artistic manner. This not only adds a touch of sophistication but also enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
Balance the composition: Pay attention to the balance of colors and textures in the bowl. The soup should be visually appealing, with a harmonious arrangement of ingredients that showcases your culinary expertise.
Essential Tools for Making Pasta and Bean Soup
Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface used for cutting, chopping, and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping various ingredients.
Stockpot: A large, deep pot used for making soups, stews, and boiling pasta.
Wooden spoon: A kitchen utensil used for stirring, mixing, and tasting dishes.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring dry and liquid ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used for precise measurement of small amounts of ingredients.
Soup ladle: A large, deep spoon with a long handle, used for serving soups and stews.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used for draining water from cooked pasta or rinsing vegetables.
Soup bowls: Deep, wide bowls used for serving soup.
Soup ladle: A large, deep spoon with a long handle, used for serving soups and stews.
Saucepan: A small, deep cooking pot with a long handle, used for heating and cooking sauces or small amounts of food.
Stove: A cooking appliance used for heating and cooking food.
Serving spoon: A large spoon used for serving food.
Tongs: Kitchen utensils used for gripping and lifting hot pots, pans, and other cookware.
Soup tureen: A large, deep serving dish with a cover, used for serving soup at the table.
Soup ladle: A large, deep spoon with a long handle, used for serving soups and stews.
How To Store and Freeze Pasta and Bean Soup
Let the pasta and bean soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to soggy pasta and vegetables.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following tips:
- Cook the pasta slightly al dente, as it will continue to soften when reheated.
- Freeze the soup without the pasta for best results. Cook the pasta separately and add it to the reheated soup to maintain its texture.
- Divide the soup into smaller, portion-sized containers or freezer bags. This allows for easier thawing and reheating.
- Label the containers with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Frozen pasta and bean soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
To reheat the soup, transfer it to a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you froze the soup without the pasta, cook the pasta separately and add it to the reheated soup before serving.
If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a little broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasonings if needed, as flavors may mellow during storage.
How To Reheat Leftover Soup
Here are the best methods for reheating leftover pasta and bean soup:
- On the stovetop: Transfer the leftover soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure the soup is evenly reheated without scorching or burning.
- In the microwave: Pour the desired amount of leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape), and microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through.
- In a slow cooker: If you have a large amount of leftover soup, transfer it to a slow cooker and reheat it on the low setting for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal for keeping the soup warm for an extended period, making it perfect for potlucks or gatherings.
- In the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and place it in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even reheating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to reheat the soup until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to consume. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of broth or water and stirring until the desired consistency is achieved. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.
Random Fact about Pasta and Bean Soup
Pasta and bean soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is a staple in Italian cuisine. It is a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. This soup is not only delicious but also very versatile, as you can easily customize it with different types of beans, vegetables, and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. It's a perfect comfort food for a cozy night in or to warm up during the colder months.
Is This Soup Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this pasta and bean soup recipe is quite high, as it utilizes affordable and readily available ingredients such as ground beef, vegetables, and beans. With a rating of 8/10, this hearty and flavorful soup offers great value for money. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly option for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Is This Soup Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This pasta and bean soup recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. Let's break it down:
Healthy ingredients:
- Vegetables like onion, garlic, celery, and carrots provide essential nutrients and fiber
- Tomatoes and tomato sauce offer lycopene and vitamin C
- Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber
Less healthy aspects:
- Ground beef is high in saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues
- The recipe doesn't specify the sodium content of the beef broth, which could be high
- Depending on the amount of salt added, the soup might have a high sodium content
While the soup does include some nutritious ingredients, there's room for improvement to make it a healthier meal.
Here are some suggestions to boost the nutritional value of this pasta and bean soup:
- Opt for lean ground beef (90% or higher) or replace it with ground turkey or chicken for a lower fat content
- Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the soup
- Increase the variety and amount of vegetables in the soup, such as adding zucchini, spinach, or kale for extra nutrients and fiber
- Replace half of the pasta with additional beans or lentils to increase the protein and fiber content while reducing the carbohydrates
- Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for added fiber and nutrients
- Go easy on the added salt and let individuals season their soup to taste at the table
By making these adjustments, you can transform this hearty soup into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your taste buds.
Editor's Thoughts on This Comforting Soup
This pasta and bean soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the richness of ground beef with the wholesome flavors of vegetables, beans, and Italian seasoning. The use of ditalini pasta adds a delightful texture, while the addition of parsley at the end provides a fresh and aromatic touch. The combination of ingredients creates a well-balanced and satisfying soup that is perfect for a cozy family meal.
Enhance Your Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Pasta and Bean Soup
Why trust this Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe:
This hearty pasta and bean soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of ground beef with the wholesome goodness of vegetables and beans. The use of Italian seasoning and tomato sauce infuses the soup with robust flavors, while the addition of ditalini pasta provides a satisfying texture. With a balance of protein and fiber, this recipe offers a nourishing and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. Trust in the combination of quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods to create a soup that will warm both the body and soul.
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