Hearty Crockpot Pasta e Fagioli Soup

This image shows a warm and comforting bowl of Pasta e Fagioli, a classic Italian soup that’s perfect for cold days or when you need a hearty meal. This version is made easy with a crockpot, allowing all the flavors to meld together slowly throughout the day. With a combination of tender ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta, this soup is both nutritious and filling. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners or for meal prepping, as it tastes even better the next day.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (12 oz) can V8 juice
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta or other small pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Prepare the Crockpot: Transfer the browned beef into a large crockpot. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
3. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, V8 juice, and beef broth. Add the white vinegar, salt, dried basil, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Cook the Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the ditalini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir to combine. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
8. Enjoy: Serve warm with crusty bread for a complete meal.

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