This Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Soup is warm and hearty, packed with pasta, beans, and veggies in a rich tomato broth. It’s a comfort food classic that hits the spot every time!
Making this soup is like giving your taste buds a warm hug! I love serving it with some crusty bread for dipping—trust me, it’s a winning combo for those chilly nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Beef adds a great flavor and richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, try lentils or cooked mushrooms for texture and flavor.
Vegetables: Onion, garlic, celery, and carrots form a classic base. You can swap out vegetables based on what you have. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach work wonderfully!
Beans: Red kidney beans are traditional, but any canned beans will do! Black beans or cannellini beans can offer a different taste and texture.
Pasta: I love using ditalini, but any small pasta like elbow macaroni, or shells will work. You can even use whole grain or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Broth: Beef broth gives a rich flavor, but vegetable broth is a great alternative if you want to keep it vegetarian. You can also use chicken broth if you have it on hand.
How Do I Get My Ground Beef to Brown Perfectly?
Getting that nice brown color on your ground beef is key for flavor. Here are some tips to achieve that:
- Heat the pot before adding the meat. A hot pan creates a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; if necessary, brown the beef in batches.
- Break up the meat into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Let it sit without stirring for a minute to form a crust before turning it.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Pasta in Soup?
Cooking pasta right in the soup can be tricky, but it’s simple with these tips:
- Add the pasta when the soup is boiling. This helps it cook evenly.
- Follow package directions for cooking time but check a minute early. Remember, it continues cooking in the hot soup!
- Add the greens, like spinach or kale, during the last couple of minutes. This keeps them bright and fresh.
You’ll end up with a comforting soup every time!
How to Make Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup can be prepared in about 15 minutes and takes around 30-40 minutes to cook, for a total of about 55-60 minutes. You’ll spend a little time chopping vegetables and browning the beef, but the end result is a warm, hearty soup that’s worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté those veggies for about 5 minutes until they are softened. This will give the soup a wonderful base of flavor!
2. Add the Garlic:
Once the veggies are soft, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its deliciousness. Stir it gently so it doesn’t burn.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Combine the Soup Ingredients:
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and thyme. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine all those amazing flavors!
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is the time to let all the ingredients come together and the flavors meld beautifully.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Once simmered, add the small pasta to the soup. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Watch it carefully to get that perfect texture!
7. Add Fresh Greens:
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach or kale. This will make the soup look vibrant and add a healthy touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and top it off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your hot, homemade Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Soup with some crusty bread on the side!
This recipe is a delicious dish that’s perfect for sharing! It’s comforting, hearty, and a great way to warm up on cooler days—enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner substitute for ground beef. It will still give you a delicious flavor, just a bit lighter in calories.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach or Kale?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh greens, you can use frozen spinach or kale—just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the soup.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply swap the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. It will still be hearty and fulfilling!
