Hearty Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Looking for a warm, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor? This Crockpot Pasta Fagioli recipe is a must-try! Loaded with ground beef, fresh vegetables, savory beans, and tender pasta, it’s a delicious, Italian-inspired soup that feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl.
Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish can be made in a large batch and freezes wonderfully. Just pop a container in the freezer, and you’ll have a ready-to-eat meal anytime you need it. Below, we’ll walk you through how to make this crowd-pleasing meal step-by-step.
What is Pasta Fagioli?
Pasta Fagioli (pronounced “pasta fah-jolie”) is a classic Italian soup whose name translates to “pasta and beans.” Originally a peasant dish, it’s now a beloved comfort food served in homes and restaurants worldwide. Traditionally, it’s a humble dish made with simple pantry ingredients, but this heartier version includes ground beef for extra flavor and protein.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Easy to Make: Dump the ingredients in a crockpot, set it, and forget it!
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, vegetables, and pasta for a complete meal.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Freezes well, so you can make a big batch and store portions for later.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this at family gatherings or potlucks, and it’s bound to be a hit!
Ingredients for Pasta Fagioli
Here’s what you’ll need to make a big, comforting batch of Pasta Fagioli:
• 2 lbs. ground beef (lean ground beef works best)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 4 stalks of celery, chopped
• 2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (16 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (16 oz) can white kidney beans (cannellini beans), drained and rinsed
• 3 (10 oz) cans of beef stock (can use beef broth)
• 3 tsp. dried oregano
• 2 tsp. black pepper
• 5 tsp. dried parsley
• 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce (optional for a little heat)
• 1 (20 oz) jar of spaghetti sauce (adds rich flavor)
• 8 oz. uncooked pasta (use ditalini, elbow, or any small pasta shape)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
• Drain the excess fat to avoid greasy soup.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Crockpot
• Transfer the cooked ground beef to your crockpot.
• Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with their juices), red kidney beans, white kidney beans, beef stock, oregano, black pepper, parsley, Tabasco (if using), and spaghetti sauce.
• Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
• Cover the crockpot with its lid.
• Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Step 4: Add Pasta
• About 30 minutes before serving, add 8 oz. of uncooked pasta to the crockpot. Stir it in well.
• Continue cooking for 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. (Pro tip: If you prefer firmer pasta, cook it separately and add it just before serving.)
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
• Serve hot with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. Sprinkle some fresh Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious finish.
Note: If you don’t have a large crockpot, you may need to cut the recipe in half to prevent overflow.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftover Pasta Fagioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating Tip: When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen up the soup, as the pasta tends to soak up extra liquid over time.
Substitutions and Variations
• Meat-Free Version: Omit the ground beef for a vegetarian version. You can add extra beans for protein or use plant-based ground “beef” for a meatless twist.
• Spicier Version: Add more Tabasco or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Different Pasta Shapes: Instead of ditalini, try elbow macaroni, mini shells, or small penne.
• Healthier Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner version.
• Broth Swap: Use chicken or vegetable broth if you don’t have beef stock on hand.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This Pasta Fagioli recipe stands out because of its rich, savory flavor. The slow-cooking process allows the spices, beef, vegetables, and beans to meld into a deeply flavorful broth. The addition of spaghetti sauce gives it a bold, tomato-forward flavor that you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or stocking your freezer with cozy, ready-to-eat meals, this recipe has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I cook Pasta Fagioli on the stove instead of a crockpot?
Yes! Sauté the ground beef, onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot. Add the remaining ingredients (except pasta) and simmer on low for about 1 hour. Add the pasta 10-15 minutes before serving.
2. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Absolutely! If using fresh herbs, increase the amount by three times (e.g., 3 tsp of dried oregano = 9 tsp fresh oregano). Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to maintain their bright flavor.
3. My soup turned out too thick. What can I do?
The pasta absorbs liquid as it cooks, so if the soup is too thick, simply add more beef broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
4. What’s the best pasta to use for Pasta Fagioli?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, mini shells, or elbow macaroni work best. They hold their shape well in soups and are easy to scoop with a spoon.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your spaghetti sauce and beef stock are certified gluten-free.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves 8-10 people.
Calories: Approximately 400-450 per serving (depends on portion size)
Protein: High in protein thanks to the beef and beans.
Carbs: Pasta, beans, and veggies offer a hearty dose of carbohydrates.
Fiber: Thanks to the beans and veggies, each serving has a healthy amount of fiber.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Pasta Fagioli with any of the following sides for a complete meal:
• Warm, crusty garlic bread
• Classic Caesar salad
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping
• A drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch
Final Thoughts
This hearty, slow-cooked Pasta Fagioli is the perfect comfort food for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or make-ahead meals. It’s filling, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Packed with beans, ground beef, pasta, and veggies, it’s a well-rounded meal all in one bowl.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking up your freezer, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. The rich aroma that fills your home while it cooks is just a bonus!
Make a big batch, freeze the leftovers, and you’ll always have a cozy, homemade meal ready to go. If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family – good food is better when shared!
Happy Cooking!