Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together the flavors of ground beef, beans, and vegetables in a savory broth. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a warm and filling meal that everyone will love. With its rich taste and simple ingredients, Pasta Fagioli stands out as an ideal comfort food for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This one-pot recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices creates a deliciously savory broth that enhances the dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with whatever beans or vegetables you have on hand for a unique twist each time.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later use.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty soup, making it a great option for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Pasta Fagioli efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Below are the must-have items that will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and simmering the soup, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop veggies quickly without mess.
• Sharp knife: Makes cutting through vegetables effortless, saving time during preparation.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 3 ribs celery (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Liquid Components

• 29 oz diced tomatoes (with the liquid, 2- 14.5 oz cans)
• 15 oz dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth

For Seasoning

• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp sugar

For the Pasta

• 8 oz Ditalini pasta

How to Make Pasta Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Over medium heat, brown the ground beef in a 5.5 quart dutch oven. This should take about 7 minutes until it’s nicely cooked.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

As the beef finishes browning, drain off most of the grease. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes. Then add in minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add in all remaining ingredients except for the pasta. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes so flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

While the soup is simmering, cook Ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain it well before adding it to the soup just before serving.

Step 5: Serve

Top each serving with fresh basil and enjoy your delicious Pasta Fagioli!

How to Serve Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your dining experience, here are some serving suggestions.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and enhances the dish’s visual appeal.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty baguette or sourdough for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly, adding richness to each bite.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over the soup just before serving for added umami.
• Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella can be a delicious addition, creating a creamy texture.

As a Main Course

• In Large Bowls: Serve Pasta Fagioli in deep bowls as a satisfying main dish for dinner.
• With a Salad: Pair with a simple green salad to balance the meal.

How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli

Creating the ideal Pasta Fagioli involves paying attention to details. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is delightful.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with herbs and spices; they enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality tomatoes and broth to elevate the taste.
• Cook pasta separately: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy in the soup.
• Simmer longer if needed: For deeper flavors, allow the ingredients to simmer longer than suggested.
• Adjust thickness: Add more broth if you prefer a soupier consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli

To complement your Pasta Fagioli, consider these tasty side dishes that enhance your meal.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic salad with romaine, croutons, and a creamy dressing pairs well with the soup.
2. Garlic Knots: Soft and buttery knots infused with garlic are perfect for soaking up broth.
3. Italian Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheese, and marinated vegetables adds variety to the table.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies bring an earthy balance to the hearty soup.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of Pasta Fagioli.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers provide additional protein and texture alongside your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Pasta Fagioli can be delightful, but some common mistakes can hinder your dish’s flavor and texture. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Make sure to cook it until it’s well-browned for a richer taste.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Always follow package instructions and add it to the soup just before serving.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Each ingredient varies in flavor strength. Taste your soup and adjust seasonings as needed, especially salt and pepper.
• Using Canned Beans Without Rinsing: Not rinsing canned beans can result in excess sodium and a tinny taste. Always drain and rinse them before adding to your dish.
• Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate every dish. Consider adding fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving for an aromatic finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Pasta Fagioli

• Use freezer-safe containers to avoid freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pasta Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta Fagioli:

What is Pasta Fagioli?

Pasta Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta and beans, often enriched with vegetables and meat for added flavor.

Can I make Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I customize my Pasta Fagioli?

Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or swap out beans according to your preference for different textures.

Is Pasta Fagioli healthy?

This dish is nutritious due to its high fiber content from beans and vegetables while being relatively low in calories.

Final Thoughts

Pasta Fagioli is a comforting dish that brings together hearty flavors in a satisfying bowl. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have at home or personal preferences. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the warmth it brings!