Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli Soup

The Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli Soup is the ultimate cold-weather comfort dish, blending tender pasta, rich tomato broth, hearty beans, and aromatic herbs. It’s a wholesome, no-fuss meal that simmers low and slow, making your kitchen smell like a cozy Italian eatery. Perfect for busy families, weeknight dinners, or when you just want something nourishing and soul-warming, this soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad, and you’ve got a filling meal that tastes like it took all day because it did (but without the stress).

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 onion, chopped

• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 3 celery stalks, sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon oregano

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 cup ditalini pasta

Directions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

2. Add the cooked beef to the crock pot.

3. Add in chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.

4. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, both beans, and all seasonings.

5. Pour in the beef broth and stir well to combine.

6. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

7. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked ditalini pasta.

8. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.

9. Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 hours | Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Hearty Classic: Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli Soup

Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli Soup is one of those timeless comfort dishes that never go out of style. Hailing from Italy and steeped in tradition, “Pasta e Fagioli” literally means “pasta and beans.” Once considered a peasant dish due to its humble, inexpensive ingredients, today it is celebrated around the world for its simplicity, versatility, and heartiness.

This slow-cooked version of the classic brings together rich flavors of ground meat, tender pasta, wholesome beans, and aromatic vegetables all gently simmered to perfection in a flavorful tomato broth. The crock pot makes the process effortless, giving you a hearty, homemade meal with minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re feeding a large family or preparing meals for the week, Pasta Fagioli Soup is a one-pot wonder that checks all the boxes: nutritious, economical, comforting, and undeniably delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Low-Maintenance Cooking

One of the biggest appeals of this Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli Soup is how easy it is to prepare. It requires only a bit of prep browning the meat and chopping a few vegetables before you toss everything into the slow cooker and walk away. There’s no need to babysit the stove or juggle multiple pots. It’s a “set it and forget it” kind of meal, making it perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends.

2. A Nutritious and Balanced Meal

Despite its comfort-food status, Pasta Fagioli is packed with nutrients. Beans provide fiber and plant-based protein, while the lean ground beef or turkey adds a savory richness and additional protein. Carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes bring vitamins and antioxidants into the mix. The pasta adds carbohydrates for energy, making this a balanced meal in a bowl. You can even make it more nutritious by swapping traditional pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives.

3. Budget-Friendly and Filling

Because it relies on pantry staples like canned beans, pasta, and tomatoes, this dish is incredibly budget-friendly. One batch makes 6-8 servings, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Even better, leftovers taste even more flavorful the next day as the ingredients continue to meld and develop in the fridge.

Origins of Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli (or Pasta e Fagioli) is deeply rooted in Italian culinary history. It originated as a rustic, home-style dish made from everyday pantry ingredients  something that was accessible to even the poorest families. There are countless regional variations throughout Italy. In southern regions like Naples, it’s more brothy and light, while in the north (like Tuscany), it tends to be thicker and heartier.

In Italian-American homes, the dish has evolved further, often incorporating meat, more vegetables, and herbs like oregano and thyme to boost the flavor. The use of a slow cooker in modern kitchens adds a convenient twist to this age-old classic, allowing the flavors to build slowly while saving time.

Versatility at Its Best

This soup is extremely customizable. You can adapt it to your taste preferences or dietary needs with ease.

• Protein Swaps: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles can be used instead of beef. Or leave the meat out entirely for a vegetarian version.

• Bean Choices: Traditional recipes use cannellini or borlotti beans, but kidney beans and great northern beans work beautifully and are easier to find in most grocery stores.

• Pasta Options: Ditalini is the classic pasta used, but small shells, elbow macaroni, or even orzo are excellent substitutes. You can also use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Vegetables: Add spinach, kale, zucchini, or even bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

• Spices and Herbs: Feel free to adjust the seasoning. Fresh basil or rosemary can add a whole new layer of flavor to the dish.

Tips for the Best Pasta Fagioli Soup

1. Add Pasta at the Right Time

Pasta should always be added towards the end of the cooking process. If it cooks too long, it will become mushy and absorb too much of the broth. For best results, add it 30 minutes before serving or cook it separately and add it just before eating.

2. Use Low-Sodium Ingredients

Because canned goods and broth can be high in salt, opt for low-sodium versions to better control the flavor and make the soup healthier.

3. Adjust the Consistency

If you like a thicker soup, mash some of the beans or add a bit less broth. For a more broth-based version, simply add more stock or water as it cooks. Pasta Fagioli is forgiving and adapts well to your preferences.

4. Serve It Right

Garnish with grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or chopped fresh parsley for a professional touch. Crusty bread or a green side salad pairs beautifully with this dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This soup is a dream for meal prepping. Once cooled, store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well  just keep in mind that the pasta may soften slightly after thawing. If planning to freeze it, consider omitting the pasta and adding it freshly when you reheat the soup.

To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened in the fridge.

Pairing Suggestions

Even though this soup stands perfectly well on its own, here are some great pairing options:

• Crusty Italian bread for dipping.

• Garlic breadsticks to complement the savory notes.

• A light green salad with vinaigrette for contrast.

• A glass of Chianti or Pinot Noir to match the hearty tomato base.

The Comfort of Homemade Soup

In a world of fast food and prepackaged meals, there’s something deeply satisfying about making a soup from scratch. Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli Soup isn’t just a recipe it’s an experience. It fills your home with warmth and tantalizing aromas, invites you to slow down, and rewards you with a bowl of nourishment that soothes both body and soul.

It’s ideal for cold nights, post-holiday detoxing, or as a go-to family favorite all year round. You can double the recipe for gatherings or freeze portions for those days when you need an easy, no-stress dinner.

Conclusion:

Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli Soup is a staple that delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity in one pot. Whether you’re a beginner home cook or an experienced foodie, this dish is a must-try. It honors traditional Italian cooking while embracing modern-day convenience, proving once again that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.