This hearty and flavorful Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly day. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Onion, chopped | 1 small |
| Carrots, chopped | 2 medium |
| Celery stalks, chopped | 2 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Diced tomatoes, canned | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Tomato sauce, canned | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Beef broth | 4 cups |
| Kidney beans, drained and rinsed | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 tsp |
| Dried rosemary | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Ditalini pasta | 1 cup |
| Fresh spinach (optional) | 2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving) | 1/4 cup |
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, kidney beans, cannellini beans, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook ditalini pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
- Finish the Soup: Add cooked pasta and optional spinach to the soup. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until spinach is wilted.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Here are some additional details about Pasta Fagioli Soup:
Pasta Fagioli, which translates to “pasta and beans” in Italian, is a traditional Italian dish that combines pasta with beans in a hearty broth. It’s a comforting and filling soup that’s perfect for colder months.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead. You can also add more beans or vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
- Different Beans: While cannellini beans are traditional, you can use other types of beans like kidney beans or chickpeas for a different flavor and texture.
- Pasta Choices: While small pasta shapes are commonly used, you can experiment with different types of pasta, such as shells or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the broth, so you might need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
Feel free to customize it further to suit your taste preferences! Enjoy experimenting with flavors!
