Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe

A rich and hardy soup, this Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe is a perfect addition to lunchtime meals, a starter for a main dish, or a whole meal by itself. With its comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your household. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, its robust taste and heartiness make it an excellent choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect even for beginner cooks.
• Flavorful and Filling: The combination of beans, pasta, and ground beef creates a satisfying meal that warms the soul.
• Versatile Options: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of beans.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: This soup appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup requires some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures efficient cooking and great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for slow cooking soups evenly without scorching.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef (454 g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Liquid Components

• 15 oz can diced tomatoes (422 g)
• 15 oz can tomato sauce (422 g)
• 4 cups chicken broth (946 ml)

For the Beans

• 15 oz can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained (425 g)
• 15 oz can Kidney beans, rinsed and drained (425 g)

Seasonings & Pasta

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup ditalini pasta (100 g)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

How to Make Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Beef

In a 5-quart Dutch oven or similar stockpot, heat the oil over medium heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly to break up any large clumps.
* Once browned, remove from the pot and drain excess fat.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

To the same Dutch oven, add in the carrots, onion, celery, and garlic.
* Sauté while stirring regularly for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and cooked ground beef back into the pot.
* Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Add Broth and Beans

Next, add kidney beans and Great Northern beans along with chicken broth.
* Stir everything together then let it simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally as it cooks.

Step 5: Cook Pasta with Seasoning

After 10 minutes of simmering,
* Add in ditalini pasta along with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
* Bring back to simmer for an additional 10 minutes until pasta is cooked through.

Step 6: Finish with Basil

Stir in fresh chopped basil before serving hot.

How to Serve Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe

Serving your Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate the dining experience, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this hearty soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the rich flavors of the soup beautifully.

Add a Side Salad

• A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup. Consider using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Top with Parmesan Cheese

• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for an extra layer of flavor. It complements the soup’s ingredients perfectly.

Include Garlic Toast

• Crunchy garlic toast is an excellent accompaniment. Simply spread butter and minced garlic on slices of bread, then toast until golden brown.

Serve with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• A classic pairing, grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect for dipping in the soup. Try different cheeses for an exciting twist.

Offer a Side of Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers can provide a colorful and nutritious side dish that complements the soup’s heartiness.

How to Perfect Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe

To ensure your Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, making your soup more delicious.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your palate for the best balance.

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: To prevent mushy pasta, cook it al dente in the soup rather than separately.

• Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld all flavors together beautifully.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe

Complement your Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Garlic Herb Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and herbs offer a flavorful addition perfect for dunking.

2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy texture of the soup.

3. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice make a nutritious side that pairs well with Italian flavors.

4. Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes mixed with basil on toasted baguette slices create a bright appetizer that complements the soup’s richness.

5. Caprese Skewers: Simple skewers of mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and cherry tomatoes deliver fresh flavors that accentuate your meal.

6. Baked Zucchini Fries: Crispy baked zucchini fries are a fun alternative to traditional fries and add an element of crunch.

7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers creates an inviting starter that excites the palate.

8. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice pilaf can serve as a great base alongside your flavorful soup without overpowering it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing the Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe, certain errors can affect the final taste and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not browning the meat properly – Failing to brown the ground beef adequately can lead to a bland flavor. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned before moving on to the next steps.

• Skipping the sautéing of vegetables – Skipping this step may result in undercooked veggies that don’t contribute enough flavor. Always take the time to sauté the onions, celery, carrots, and garlic until soft.

• Overcooking the pasta – Adding pasta too early can cause it to become mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking time to ensure it remains al dente.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Not tasting and adjusting seasonings at different stages can leave your soup flat. Always taste and tweak salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed throughout cooking.

• Not letting it simmer long enough – A short simmer might not develop all the flavors. Allow the soup to simmer as directed for a richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Ensure the soup cools down before placing it in the refrigerator.

Freezing Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion when freezing.

Reheating Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop – Pour into a pot over medium heat, stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about this Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe, we’ve got you covered!

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I adjust serving sizes?

You can easily double or halve this recipe by adjusting ingredient amounts accordingly while keeping cooking times similar.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze them for longer preservation.

How can I customize this Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe?

Add your favorite beans or change up the pasta shape. You can also experiment with additional spices based on your taste preferences!

Final Thoughts

The Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe is a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and customizable ingredients make it versatile enough for family dinners or casual lunches. We encourage you to try making this comforting soup and feel free to tweak it with your favorite ingredients!