Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its rich blend of ground meat, beans, pasta, and vegetables, this Italian-inspired soup offers a full meal in every bowl. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a hearty dish that will fill up the whole family, this recipe is both satisfying and simple to prepare. The slow cooker does all the work for you, making it an ideal choice for busy nights.
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Why You’ll Love Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup
This Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup is a standout for several reasons. First, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both filling and flavorful. The combination of protein-rich meat, fiber-packed beans, and hearty vegetables creates a balanced dish that will keep you full for hours. It’s also incredibly easy to make — simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, set the timer, and let it do its magic.
The beauty of this soup is in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that allows for easy ingredient substitutions, making it customizable to your tastes or dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting soup:
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps cook the meat evenly.
• Ground Beef: The base protein for the soup. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if desired.
• Carrots: Provide sweetness and a crunchy texture.
• Onion: Adds depth and savory flavor to the broth.
• Celery: Contributes to the soup’s aromatic flavor.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its bold, aromatic flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Form the base of the soup’s rich broth.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide texture and a slight tang.
• Beans: Red kidney beans and cannellini beans offer protein and fiber.
• Beef Broth: Adds a savory depth, or substitute with vegetable or chicken broth.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings the signature Italian flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Bay Leaves: Add subtle herbal notes to the broth.
• Ditalini Pasta: Small pasta that soaks up the delicious broth.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing any ingredients or have dietary preferences, here are some simple substitutions:
• Ground Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for different flavor profiles.
• Pasta: If you don’t have ditalini pasta, small elbow macaroni or any small pasta will work.
• Beans: Swap kidney beans with black beans, chickpeas, or white beans depending on your preference.
• Broth: For a lighter option, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup
Making this soup is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps:
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add to Crockpot: Transfer the browned meat to your Crockpot. Add the carrots, onion, celery, garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
- Cook: Set your Crockpot to low and cook for 7-8 hours, or high for 4-5 hours.
- Add Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaves and stir in the ditalini pasta. Set the Crockpot to high and cover. Let the pasta cook for 30 minutes until tender.
- Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, your Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup is ready to serve. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Soup
To ensure your Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
• Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef (90/10) to avoid excess fat and keep the soup from becoming greasy.
• Prep Ahead: To save time, prepare the ingredients the night before. Simply store the chopped vegetables and browned meat in the fridge, then toss them into the Crockpot the next morning.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For better texture, cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup when serving. This prevents the noodles from absorbing too much broth while stored in the fridge.
• Monitor the Broth: If your soup seems too thick after storing, simply add a little more broth when reheating to adjust the consistency.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and variations:
• Sandwiches: Try a grilled cheese or a panini to dip into the soup.
• Bread: Serve with crusty bread or warm Herb Crescent Rolls to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Salad: A simple Italian salad or a cucumber and tomato salad makes for a refreshing side.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
• Make-Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prepping. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Health Benefits of Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup
This hearty soup is not only comforting but also nutritious. With a balanced mix of protein from the meat and beans, fiber from the vegetables and beans, and healthy fats from the olive oil, it’s a wholesome meal that supports your overall well-being. The beans also provide a good source of plant-based protein, making this dish ideal for those looking to eat more plant-forward meals without sacrificing flavor.
Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup is a wonderful choice for anyone looking to enjoy a filling, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or preparing meals ahead of time, this recipe delivers in both taste and convenience.
Conclusion
Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup is a simple, flavorful, and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy families and those seeking a comforting dish with minimal effort. With its rich blend of ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta, this soup delivers a complete meal packed with flavor and nutrients. Plus, the slow cooker takes care of the hard work, allowing you to focus on other things while your soup simmers to perfection. Whether you enjoy it on a cold evening or as part of a weekly meal plan, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup ahead of time. You can chop the vegetables, brown the meat, and store everything in the fridge the night before. In the morning, just add everything to the Crockpot and set it to cook. If you prefer, you can also store the soup in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat it when ready to serve.
Can I freeze Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup?
Absolutely! Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup freezes well. Store the cooled soup in an airtight container or freezer ziplock bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. You may need to add more broth as the pasta absorbs some of the liquid during freezing.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy in the soup?
To avoid mushy pasta, cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup right before serving. This method helps maintain the pasta’s texture, especially if you plan to store leftovers. If you prefer cooking the pasta in the soup, make sure to add it in the final 30 minutes of cooking, so it doesn’t absorb too much broth.
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Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy families. Full of flavor with ground meat, beans, pasta, and vegetables, this slow-cooked soup offers a complete meal in every bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 15 oz cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 15 oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or small elbow noodles)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart into crumbles. Drain excess grease.
- Transfer browned meat to the Crockpot. Add diced carrots, onions, celery, garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
- Set the Crockpot to low and cook for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaves and stir in the pasta. Set the Crockpot to high and cover. Let the pasta cook for 30 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, serve the soup warm.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- If you prefer to keep the pasta from absorbing too much broth, cook it separately and add it to each bowl before serving.
- This soup can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 423
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1335mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 67mg
