Delicious Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe with Ground Beef and Beans

Published: October 15, 2025

by Hannah Reed

Why You'll Love This Pasta Fagioli

This incredible Pasta Fagioli transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ingredients for Pasta Fagioli

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Pasta Fagioli:

2 Tbsp olive oil – Divided to sauté your beef and vegetables, bringing richness and flavor to your soup.
1 lb lean ground beef – A source of protein that adds heartiness; opt for ground turkey for a lighter version.
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion – Adds sweetness and depth; the foundation for your flavor base.
1 cup diced carrots – Colorful and nutritious, they add a slight sweetness when cooked.
1 cup diced celery – Provides a refreshing crunch and balances the dish’s flavors.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses a lovely, aromatic punch into the soup.
3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce – The essential base, creating a delightful tomato flavor.
2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth – For richness, adjust salt levels to customize your dish.
1/2 cup water – Added to adjust the consistency of the soup, as needed.
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes – Adds texture and flavor bursts, enhancing the rustic feel of the soup.
2 tsp granulated sugar – Balances acidity from the tomatoes, bringing harmony to the flavors.
1 1/2 tsp dried basil – Adds an aromatic quality reminiscent of Italian cuisine.
1 tsp dried oregano – Infuses authentic flavor; essential for any Italian dish.
3/4 tsp dried thyme – Offers a subtle earthiness that complements the broth.
1/2 tsp dried marjoram – Adds a hint of sweetness; earthy yet comforting.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper – To taste, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor profile.
1 cup dry ditalini pasta – Tiny pasta shells that catch the broth perfectly; substitutes like small shells work well too.
1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed – Packed with fiber and protein; adds heartiness.
1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed – Soft and creamy, perfect for a textured contrast.
Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese – For serving, this adds a delightful creamy finish.
3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley – Brightens up the dish and adds a fresh flavor.

How to Make Pasta Fagioli

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Pasta Fagioli:

Step 1: Sauté the Beef
Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Remember to season it with a touch of salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
After draining the excess fat from the beef, transfer it to a plate and set aside. In the same pot, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Toss in the onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing them over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes, or until they’re softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, water, canned tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram, and the cooked beef. Season to taste with salt and fresh black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the soup simmers, cook the ditalini pasta according to package directions. Drain once it’s al dente, and set aside.

Step 6: Final Touches
Add the cooked pasta, kidney beans, and great northern beans to the soup. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more broth or water as desired. Let everything cook together for an additional minute. Stir in the minced parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness.

Serve your Pasta Fagioli warm, topped with a sprinkle of finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch. Grab a bowl and let comfort take over; this soup is more than just sustenance—it’s a tradition and a joy shared among friends and family. Enjoy!

You Must Know About Pasta Fagioli

This showstopping Pasta Fagioli delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Pasta Fagioli Cooking Process

When you whip up this Pasta Fagioli, start by cooking the ground beef in a big pot. While that browns, chop your veggies to save time. Once the beef is ready, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in the same pot for extra flavor.

Add Your Touch to Pasta Fagioli

Feel free to customize your Pasta Fagioli by substituting ground beef with turkey or plant-based options. Consider adding spinach or kale for extra greens, or toss in some Italian sausage for a flavor boost. Experiment with spices to tailor it to your palate.

Storing & Reheating Pasta Fagioli

Store your leftover Pasta Fagioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if necessary to restore creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Pasta Fagioli

This professional-quality Pasta Fagioli relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

I once made this Pasta Fagioli for a dinner party, and my friends couldn’t stop asking for the recipe. Watching their delighted faces with each spoonful made all the effort worth it!

FAQs About Pasta Fagioli

What is Pasta Fagioli?

Pasta Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup that combines pasta and beans, often with a flavorful broth made from tomatoes and aromatic vegetables. This hearty dish varies across regions, with different ingredients and cooking methods depending on the family’s heirloom recipes. Commonly, you’ll find ditalini pasta and kidney beans within the mix, but creativity is encouraged. The name itself translates to “pasta and beans,” emphasizing the simplicity and comfort that this dish embodies. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or as a satisfying meal for a gathering.

What are the best beans for Pasta Fagioli?

Typically, dark red kidney beans and great northern beans are the go-to choices for Pasta Fagioli. The kidney beans add a rich color and robust flavor, while great northern beans offer a softer texture that enhances the dish. However, you can also experiment with cannellini or black beans depending on your taste preference. Each type brings its unique flavor and texture, allowing you to tailor the soup according to your liking. Consider trying different combinations for a personalized twist on this classic recipe.

Can I make Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?

Absolutely! Making a vegetarian version of Pasta Fagioli is simple and delicious. Instead of ground beef, you can replace it with lentils, mushrooms, or even crumbled plant-based meat substitutes. Use vegetable broth in lieu of chicken broth to keep the soup flavorful. Additionally, feel free to load up on extra veggies like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for a nutrient boost. This way, you maintain the comforting essence of Pasta Fagioli while making it suitable for vegetarian diets.

How do I store and reheat Pasta Fagioli?

To store leftover Pasta Fagioli, ladle it into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat on low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much. You can also microwave it if you’re in a hurry, but make sure to stir it every so often for even reheating. Enjoying your delicious Pasta Fagioli again makes for a satisfying meal that tastes just as good, if not better, the second time around.

Conclusion for Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli stands as a testament to the beauty of simple, hearty cooking. With its blend of pasta, beans, and rich broth, this dish delivers warmth and comfort in every bowl. Whether you customize it to suit your dietary preferences or stick to traditional recipes, Pasta Fagioli is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it at your next gathering or savor it as a meal prep staple during busy weeks. Embrace the flavors and textures that make this dish special, and enjoy the love that comes from cooking it!