This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style) is a warm and comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in, this soup is brimming with lean ground beef, hearty beans, and fresh vegetables. With its blend of savory herbs and tender pasta, it’s a meal that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This one-pot recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from beef and beans, it’s a complete meal in itself.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for a quick meal later.
- Comfort Food Classic: A beloved Italian staple that never fails to please.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style), you will need some essential kitchen tools.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cooking spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for cooking the soup evenly while allowing ample space for all ingredients.
- Cooking spoon: Helps in stirring and breaking up the ground beef as it cooks.
- Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.
- Measuring cups: Ensure accurate measurements for consistent flavor every time.
Ingredients
This pasta fagioli soup recipe is cozy, savory, and full of traditional Italian comfort. Made with lean ground beef, beans, vegetables, pasta, and herbs, it’s a hearty one-pot meal you’ll come back to again and again.
For the Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Broth
- 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water (plus more as needed)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
For Seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper*, to taste
For the Beans and Pasta
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
- 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
For Garnish
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese*, for garnish
How to Make Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat from the pot and transfer the cooked beef to a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot. Stir in chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 6 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, granulated sugar, and all dried herbs. Return the browned beef to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Step 4: Cook Pasta Separately
While your soup simmers, cook ditalini pasta in a separate pot until just shy of al dente according to package instructions. Drain pasta once done.
Step 5: Final Mix-Ins
Add cooked ditalini pasta along with kidney beans and great Northern beans into the soup. Stir well and let simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Adjust consistency by adding more water if desired.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Stir in fresh parsley before serving. Ladle hot soup into bowls topped with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your delicious Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)!
How to Serve Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)
Pasta Fagioli Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Classic Bowl Presentation
- Serve the soup in deep, rustic bowls for a comforting feel.
- Top each bowl with freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Accompanying Bread
- Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks.
- This combination is perfect for dipping and soaking up the savory broth.
Fresh Salad
- A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
- The crispness of the salad balances the hearty ingredients in the soup.
Lemon Wedges
- Serve lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their soup.
- The acidity brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing touch.
Croutons
- Offer homemade or store-bought croutons as a crunchy topping.
- They add texture and are an easy way to enhance each bite.
Extra Herbs
- Provide extra minced parsley or basil for garnish.
- Fresh herbs elevate the presentation and add vibrant color to each serving.
How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)
Perfecting your Pasta Fagioli Soup requires attention to detail and a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to make your soup even more delicious.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition. Opt for seasonal produce whenever possible.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you cook; you can always add more herbs or spices if needed. Adjusting seasonings ensures balanced flavors.
- Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking pasta al dente before adding it to the soup keeps it from becoming mushy. This method maintains texture in your dish.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops rich flavors. Don’t rush this step; patience pays off!
- Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if necessary.
- Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans based on personal preference. Each variety brings unique flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)
Pairing side dishes with your Pasta Fagioli Soup can enhance your meal and provide variety. Here are some excellent options that complement this delicious soup perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s perfect for dipping into your soup.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and croutons create a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil adds a burst of flavor before enjoying your main dish.
- Caprese Salad: Layers of mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and fresh basil provide a light and refreshing accompaniment.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition while complementing the flavors of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with grains, beans, or quinoa serve as satisfying additions that pair beautifully with Italian flavors.
- Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats (like turkey), cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables creates an appealing starter before digging into the soup.
- Polenta Fries: Crispy polenta sticks offer a unique twist and are fun to dip into your flavorful broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the ground beef can lead to a lack of flavor. Ensure you cook it until it’s well-browned before moving on.
- Not using enough seasoning: Under-seasoning can leave your soup bland. Taste as you cook and adjust with salt, pepper, and herbs for a bold flavor.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the ditalini too long will make it mushy in the soup. Aim for al dente since it will continue to cook when added to the hot soup.
- Ignoring vegetable prep: Not chopping vegetables uniformly can lead to uneven cooking. Cut them into similar sizes for consistent texture and flavor.
- Rushing the simmering process: Quick cooking won’t allow flavors to develop. Simmering for the recommended time enhances the soup’s taste beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow it to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this delicious Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe.
Can I use other types of meat in this Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute lean ground turkey or lamb if preferred. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
How do I make this Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more beans or lentils for protein.
Can I add more vegetables to my Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach based on your preference or what you have on hand.
What is the best way to serve this Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?
Serve hot with a sprinkle of cheese on top and crusty bread on the side for a complete meal that feels cozy and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is not only hearty and comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different proteins or vegetables based on your taste preferences. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)
This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style) is a delightful, hearty dish that captures the essence of Italian comfort food right in your kitchen. Imagine a warm bowl filled with tender lean ground beef, nutritious beans, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered together in a rich tomato broth. This soup not only satisfies the appetite but also warms the soul, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. With its savory blend of herbs and perfectly cooked ditalini pasta, this one-pot meal is quick to prepare and easy to customize to your taste. Enjoy it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water (plus more as needed)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
- 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat from the pot and transfer the cooked beef to a plate.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot. Stir in chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 6 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, granulated sugar, and all dried herbs. Return the browned beef to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- While your soup simmers, cook ditalini pasta in a separate pot until just shy of al dente according to package instructions. Drain pasta once done.
- Add cooked ditalini pasta along with kidney beans and great Northern beans into the soup. Stir well and let simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Adjust consistency by adding more water if desired.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving. Ladle hot soup into bowls topped with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg