This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style) is a warm and hearty dish, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting family dinner or cozying up on a rainy day, this soup delivers rich flavors and comforting textures. Filled with lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome beans, it’s a delightful one-pot meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling: The combination of beef, beans, and pasta makes this soup a complete meal in itself.
- Easy to prepare: With simple steps and minimal cleanup, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Flavorful: The blend of herbs and spices brings out the best in this Italian classic, making each spoonful irresistible.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
- Great for leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make the cooking process seamless, gather your tools ahead of time. Having everything at hand will ensure you can focus on creating delicious soup without interruptions.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for making a hearty soup that serves multiple people. It allows enough space for all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient. It ensures even cuts for consistent cooking.
- Measuring cups: Precise measurements are key to achieving the right flavor balance in your soup. Accurate measuring helps replicate the recipe perfectly.
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
- 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 Adding Body
- 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 and transfer beef to a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add remaining tablespoon olive oil to the same pot. Stir in onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about six minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for one minute more.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, sugar, and all dried herbs. Return beef to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer covered for about 15–20 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta Separately
While the soup simmers, cook ditalini in a separate pot until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Final Touches
Add pasta, kidney beans, and great Northern beans to the soup. Stir well; simmer an additional two minutes or adjust consistency with extra water if desired.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Stir in minced parsley just before serving. Ladle soup into bowls and top with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese. Enjoy hot!
How to Serve Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)
Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Italian Bread: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread on the side for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Add flavor with buttery garlic breadsticks, a perfect complement to the savory soup.
Topped with Cheese
- Grated Romano or Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated cheese on top of each bowl for an extra layer of flavor.
- Mozzarella Slices: Melted mozzarella can add a creamy texture and richness to the soup.
Accompanied by Salads
- Classic Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad balances the heartiness of the soup with its refreshing greens.
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: This vibrant salad brings a mix of flavors that pairs well with the savory soup.
How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)
To achieve the best results with your Pasta Fagioli Soup, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Select fresh vegetables and high-quality broth for a richer flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go; adding salt and herbs in stages helps you find the perfect balance.
- Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a little while enhances its flavors as they meld together.
- Add Fresh Herbs Last: Stir in fresh parsley just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and taste.
Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)
Pairing side dishes with your Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Caprese Salad: A fresh salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze complements the richness of the soup.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated vegetables, and cured meats offers a variety of flavors to enjoy alongside.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a healthy element while enhancing your meal’s color and texture.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil provides a crunchy contrast to the soup’s smoothness.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: These fluffy biscuits bring cheesy goodness that pairs beautifully with every spoonful of soup.
- Simple Green Salad: A light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette refreshes the palate between bites of hearty soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style), it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Using low-quality ingredients: Always select fresh vegetables and quality meat. Fresh ingredients greatly enhance the flavor of your soup.
- Skipping the browning step: Properly browning the beef adds depth and richness to the soup’s flavor. Don’t rush this process; allow it to cook until nicely browned.
- Not seasoning adequately: Seasoning is key! Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper before serving for a well-balanced dish.
- Overcooking the pasta: Ditalini should be cooked just shy of al dente since it will continue to cook in the soup. This prevents mushy pasta.
- Neglecting consistency adjustments: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It’s best used within 3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on high in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that often arise when making this delicious soup.
What makes this Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style) special?
This recipe stands out due to its rich flavors from fresh ingredients and herbs, making it a comforting classic that’s perfect for any occasion.
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with other canned beans like black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The total time for this Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style) is about 50 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
Is there a vegetarian version of Pasta Fagioli Soup?
Absolutely! You can replace meat with mushrooms or extra vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty vegetarian option.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it properly!
Final Thoughts
This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style) offers warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Try it today and enjoy a delightful one-pot meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table!
Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)
Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style) is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dining table. This hearty dish combines lean ground beef, wholesome beans, and vibrant vegetables, all simmered in a rich tomato broth with delightful Italian herbs. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this one-pot meal is not only filling but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for cooks of any skill level. Whether enjoyed fresh or as leftovers, this soup gets even better with time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Dive into a bowl of this classic Italian comfort food that promises to keep you coming back for more!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cans tomato sauce
- 2 cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
- 1 can dark red kidney beans
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and brown the ground beef; drain excess fat.
- Add remaining olive oil and sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until soft. Stir in minced garlic.
- Mix in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, sugar, and herbs. Return the beef to the pot and season with salt and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Cook ditalini pasta separately until al dente; drain.
- Add cooked pasta and beans to the soup; simmer for an additional two minutes before serving.
- Stir in minced parsley just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Customize with your favorite vegetables or different types of beans for variety. Letting the soup sit enhances its flavors—consider making it a day ahead for even better results.