This homemade Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup tastes just like the beloved Olive Garden classic! Packed with savory ground beef, tender beans, vegetables, pasta, and a rich tomato-based broth, this comforting Italian soup is perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup ditalini pasta (or small pasta of choice)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the Beans & Broth: Stir in the kidney beans, Great Northern beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and water.
4. Season the Soup: Add basil, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
5. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
6. Cook the Pasta: While the soup is simmering, cook the ditalini pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. Combine: Stir the cooked pasta into the soup just before serving.
8. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Tips & Variations:
• For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them to the soup.
• Add more broth if the soup thickens too much after sitting.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup—it’s even better the next day! 🍲