Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth of a homemade Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe that’s sure to please family and friends alike. This hearty soup is a delightful blend of lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tender ditalini pasta, simmered together in a savory broth that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. Perfect for cozy dinners or as a satisfying lunch, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Enjoy each flavorful spoonful topped with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of cheese for that authentic touch!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup diced carrots (approximately 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup diced celery (approximately 3 stalks)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced (1 Tbsp))
- 3 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water (plus additional as needed)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 can (15 oz) dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
- 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
- Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery in the same pot until tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, water, diced tomatoes, sugar, and seasonings. Return the cooked beef to the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook ditalini pasta separately until al dente. Drain and add to the soup along with the beans.
- Stir in fresh parsley just before serving and top with shredded cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg