Introduction
This Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting Italian classic made with ground meat, tender beans, vegetables, and pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth. It tastes just like the famous restaurant version—only better because it’s homemade, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
📝 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or small elbow pasta)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Meat: Italian sausage adds extra flavor, but beef works great.
- Beans: Using two types gives the soup its signature texture.
- Pasta: Cook pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers.
- Broth: Beef broth gives a richer flavor; chicken broth works too.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Brown the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Build the Soup
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, broth, and seasonings.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta
- Stir pasta into the soup and cook 8–10 minutes until tender.
- Finish
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh herbs and extra parmesan.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
💡 Tips
- Simmer longer for deeper flavor.
- Add a parmesan rind while simmering for restaurant-quality taste.
- Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks.
🔄 Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Omit meat, use vegetable broth, and add more beans.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes.
- Slow Cooker: Brown meat first, then cook on LOW 6–8 hours.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze without pasta; add fresh pasta when reheating.
