If you’ve been searching for a comforting, hearty dish that fills your home with the most inviting aromas while delivering incredible flavors, then you’re in for a treat. This Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe brings together savory ground beef, tender beans, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich tomato broth that simmers gently all day long. It’s one of those meals you can’t help but come back to again and again, perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this slow cooker favorite, it will become a regular request around your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together in this recipe to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each one serves an important role, making the Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe both hearty and vibrant.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds rich, savory depth and protein to the dish.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and enhances the aromatic base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a warm, garlicky punch.
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes: Provide a luscious, tangy tomato foundation.
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Add texture and earthy flavor, plus added fiber.
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed: Offer a creamy softness that balances the kidney beans.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates the savory liquid base that ties the flavors together.
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked small pasta: Ideal shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni hold the broth beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a classic herb blend that complements every other ingredient.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery herbaceous note.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides a rustic, earthy touch to the seasoning mixture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all the combined flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, adding richness.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional): Injects fresh herbal brightness before serving.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): Adds a salty, nutty finish that is pure comfort.
How to Make Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it turns a beautiful golden brown. This browning step is crucial as it creates hearty flavor through caramelization—don’t rush it! Once cooked, drain excess fat and transfer the meat straight to your slow cooker, setting the rich foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Using the same skillet, toss in diced onion and sauté for a couple of minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook just long enough to release its fragrant aroma, about 30 seconds. These aromatics add a sweet and savory backbone to your Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe. Transfer them to the slow cooker where they will continue to mingle with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine All the Remaining Ingredients
Now the magic happens. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans, white beans, beef broth, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper directly into the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir so all the flavors start to blend. This mixture is the hearty heart of the soup, bursting with texture and deep, satisfying tastes.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and let the soup simmer on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking melds all the flavors beautifully, softening beans and allowing every spice and herb to shine through. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a delicious preview of the warm comfort waiting for you.
Step 5: Add the Pasta
About 20 to 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the uncooked pasta. This timing is key to avoid mushy noodles and ensures the pasta finishes cooking just right, absorbing some of that tasty broth and blending seamlessly into the soup. Cook until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hearty soup into bowls and top with freshly chopped parsley or basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you like. This final touch brightens and intensifies the flavors, creating a truly comforting bowl of perfection you’ll keep craving.
How to Serve Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are a lovely way to bring a pop of color and refreshing flavor to the rich Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe. A shower of Parmesan cheese adds a savory, slightly salty boost that melts into the warmth of the soup, making each bite even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a standalone meal, but pairing it with crusty garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad creates a complete and satisfying dinner. The bread helps soak up the flavorful broth, while a crisp salad adds balance and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic ceramic bowls for cozy family meals, or dress it up in individual ramekins for a dinner party. For a special twist, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a spoonful of pesto on top just before serving—these touches turn a humble Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe into something gourmet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After a delicious meal, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making your next meal just as delightful. Leftover soup will keep well for 3 to 4 days, so you can enjoy it again without any loss of deliciousness.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Remember to add pasta only when reheating to prevent it from getting mushy. Frozen Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe can be kept for up to 3 months, perfect for busy days when you need a quick yet comforting meal.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat. If the pasta is already in the soup, add a splash of broth or water as needed to loosen the soup. If freezing without pasta, add fresh pasta during reheating and cook until tender. This way, every bowl stays fresh and scrumptious just like when first made.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe. Just be sure to brown it properly to develop flavor before adding it to the slow cooker.
What pasta type works best in this recipe?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small rotini are ideal because they cook evenly and hold the broth well, giving you that perfect combination of texture and heartiness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You might also add extra beans or vegetables like carrots and celery to enrich the texture and flavor.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup has a hearty, stew-like consistency but still remains brothy enough to enjoy as a classic Italian soup. If it thickens too much, add a little more broth or water when reheating.
Is it better to add pasta at the beginning?
Adding pasta at the end ensures it cooks just right and doesn’t turn mushy from sitting too long in the slow cooker. This timing keeps the pasta perfectly tender and maintains the soup’s wonderful texture.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s an easy slow cooker meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or comfort. I can’t encourage you enough to make this your next go-to soup. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together and how incredibly satisfying every spoonful is. Get your crockpot ready—your new favorite dinner awaits!
Print
Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours low or 3 to 4 hours high, plus 20-30 minutes for pasta
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Pasta Fagioli is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring ground beef, a medley of beans, tender pasta, and flavorful herbs slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a cozy gathering, it combines rich beef broth with tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and fresh garnishes for a delicious, warming dish.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Beans and Tomatoes
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
Liquids and Pasta
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or rotini)
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cooking and breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the remaining ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the diced tomatoes with their juices, red kidney beans, white beans, beef broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld deeply.
- Add the pasta: About 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender, which should take about 20-30 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Be sure to drain and rinse the canned beans to reduce sodium content and improve flavor.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner meat option.
- If you want to make this vegetarian, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; adding crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
- To save time, you can brown the beef and sauté vegetables the night before and store in the refrigerator.
