Pasta Fagioli That Is Bound to Be a Hit
The Coziest Crockpot Soup You’ll Make This Season
If you’re searching for a hearty, soul-warming dish that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or lazy Sundays, look no further than this Pasta Fagioli recipe. Packed with ground beef, two types of beans, loads of veggies, and a rich tomato broth, it’s everything you want in a comfort food soup—and then some.
Let it simmer away in the crockpot and you’ll be rewarded with a fragrant kitchen and a dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Why I Love This Recipe
Pasta Fagioli (pronounced pasta fazool) is one of those rustic Italian dishes that’s as flexible as it is flavorful. This version takes the classic and amps it up with ground beef for added heartiness. It’s a full meal in one bowl, made easy with pantry staples and your slow cooker doing the heavy lifting.
Bonus? It makes a big batch—perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 4 stalks 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, drained and rinsed
- 3 (10 oz) cans beef stock
- 3 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 5 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp Tabasco sauce (optional, for a kick)
- 1 (20 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz pasta, such as ditalini or elbow
Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for extra flavor.
- Add a Parmesan rind to the crockpot while cooking for a savory depth.
- Try gluten-free pasta if needed, added only at the end to prevent mushiness.
- Vegetarian? Skip the meat and use vegetable broth.
How to Make Pasta Fagioli (Slow Cooker Method)
🥣 Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain the fat and transfer the beef to your crockpot.
🍅 Step 2: Add Everything (Except Pasta)
Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, both kinds of beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef stock, oregano, pepper, parsley, Tabasco (if using), and jarred spaghetti sauce to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
⏲️ Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
🍝 Step 4: Add Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the pasta. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender.
Pro tip: For best texture, you can also cook the pasta separately and stir it into each bowl before serving.
Tips for Success
- Stir occasionally if you’re home while it cooks to prevent sticking.
- If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of beef stock or water.
- For reheating, store the pasta separately to avoid soggy noodles.
- Want it spicier? Add a dash of red pepper flakes or more Tabasco.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this Pasta Fagioli with:
- Crusty garlic bread or a side of cheesy toast
- A simple Caesar salad
- Shaved Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top
Love hearty comfort food like this? Don’t miss these flavorful favorites:
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip – the ultimate party starter
- Dorito Casserole – cheesy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying
- Easy Turkey Wings – ideal for comfort food cravings
- Chicken Enchiladas – cozy and crowd-approved
- One Pan Breakfast Bake – for comfort food morning to night
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully (just leave out the pasta). Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add fresh pasta or cooked noodles before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta Fagioli recipe is everything I love about slow cooker meals: hearty, hassle-free, and absolutely delicious. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out and gets even better the next day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping, or just in the mood for something comforting and satisfying, this one’s bound to be a hit.
Give it a try, tag @chefmaniac with your photos, and let us know how your kitchen smelled after 8 hours of simmering goodness! 🍲❤️🧄
