Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup – A Hearty & Easy Italian Recipe

Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine right into your kitchen. This slow cooker recipe combines rich, savory ingredients such as ground meat, beans, vegetables, and pasta for a flavorful, filling meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner idea or a delicious way to feed your family, this recipe delivers both taste and convenience in one bowl.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup

This Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients and flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a complete meal ready in hours. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this soup is satisfying, affordable, and can be customized to suit your dietary preferences.

Made with protein-rich ground meat, hearty pasta, and fiber-packed beans, this soup is sure to keep you full. Plus, the slow-cooked flavors allow the ingredients to meld together, creating a savory and mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

To make this easy Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps cook the meat.
• Ground Beef: Adds protein and flavor. You can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage if preferred.
• Carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness and add texture to the soup.
• Onion: Enhances the flavor base of the soup with its natural sweetness.
• Celery: Offers a crisp texture and earthy flavor.
• Garlic: Adds depth and a fragrant aroma to the soup.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Gives the soup its rich, tangy broth.
• Diced Tomatoes: Offers texture with small tomato chunks.
• Beans (Kidney & Cannellini): Adds fiber, protein, and creaminess to the soup.
• Beef Broth: Acts as the savory base for the soup. You can substitute with vegetable or chicken broth.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings authentic Italian herb flavors to the soup.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning.
• Bay Leaves: Add a subtle depth to the broth.
• Ditalini Pasta: The perfect small pasta to soak up all the delicious broth. Small elbow noodles can also work.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to customize your Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup, here are a few swaps you can try:

• Ground Meat: Opt for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Beans: Swap kidney beans for black beans or chickpeas.
• Pasta: You can use small elbow macaroni or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Broth: If you’re avoiding beef, try using vegetable broth for a lighter option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a flavorful, comforting meal:

1. Brown the Ground Meat: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to the Crockpot.
2. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the diced carrots, onions, celery, and garlic to the Crockpot. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, and beef broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
3. Cook the Soup: Set the Crockpot to low and cook for 7-8 hours, or high for 4-5 hours. Ensure the lid is on tightly to trap the heat and flavors.
4. Add the Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaves. Stir in the ditalini pasta. Turn the Crockpot to high and cook the pasta for 30 minutes, until tender.
5. Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, the soup is ready to serve. Enjoy warm!

Tips & Tricks

To make sure your Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup comes out perfectly, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use Lean Ground Meat: Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to avoid excess grease. This will keep the soup light and flavorful.
• Prep Ahead of Time: Save time by chopping the vegetables and browning the meat the night before. Store them in the fridge, and in the morning, simply throw everything into the Crockpot.
• Cook Pasta Separately: To prevent the pasta from absorbing too much broth, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving. This will keep the soup broth from becoming too thick, especially when reheating leftovers.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Bread or Rolls: Serve with crusty bread or Herb Crescent Rolls for a satisfying meal.
• Salad: A fresh, crisp Italian salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad complements the rich flavors of the soup.
• Sandwiches: Try pairing the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or a hearty panini for a complete meal.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this soup stores well in the fridge or freezer:

• Fridge: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave. You may need to add a little more broth as the pasta absorbs liquid over time.
• Freezer: Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup freezes perfectly. Place the cooled soup in a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Health Benefits of Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup

Not only is Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup comforting and delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits:

• Rich in Protein: With ground meat and beans, this soup provides a good dose of protein.
• High in Fiber: Beans and vegetables contribute fiber, which is great for digestion and helps you feel full longer.
• Packed with Nutrients: The addition of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions boosts the soup’s vitamin and mineral content, making it a nutritious meal option.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to feed a crowd, Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup is sure to impress. It’s flavorful, filling, and simple to make—what more could you ask for in a slow-cooked dish?

Conclusion

Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the ease of slow-cooked meals with the hearty flavors of Italian cuisine. With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it to your family or enjoying it as leftovers throughout the week, this soup is sure to become a go-to recipe in your dinner rotation. Its versatility allows for easy customization based on what you have in your kitchen, making it a practical and delicious choice for any meal plan. So, grab your Crockpot and enjoy a bowl of this filling, flavorful soup today!

Frequently Asked Questions

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