Recreate the comforting flavors of One Pot Pasta e Fagioli at home with this easy-to-make recipe. This dish is not only delicious but also perfect for various occasions, from family dinners to casual gatherings. Packed with ground beef, pasta, and a rich broth, it warms the soul and satisfies hunger.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Base
- Broth Mixture
- For the Pasta and Beans
- How to Make One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Step 2: Rinse the Beans
- Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
- Step 4: Add Vegetables
- Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- How to Serve One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
- With Crusty Bread
- Topped with Fresh Herbs
- As a Meal Prep Option
- With a Simple Salad
- How to Perfect One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
- Best Side Dishes for One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
- Reheating One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use turkey instead of beef in One Pot Pasta e Fagioli?
- How do I make One Pot Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?
- Can I add more beans to my One Pot Pasta e Fagioli?
- Is One Pot Pasta e Fagioli healthy?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This one-pot meal simplifies cooking and cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort: Enjoy a hearty blend of spices and ingredients that create a rich taste reminiscent of your favorite Italian restaurant.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this dish works great for any occasion.
- Nutrient-Rich: Filled with vegetables and beans, it’s a wholesome option that keeps you full.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the pasta and beans, making it a hit for the whole family.
Tools and Preparation
To make One Pot Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering all ingredients together without overcrowding.
- Chef’s knife: Ensures even chopping of vegetables for consistent cooking.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements guarantee the right balance of flavors in your dish.
Ingredients
Recreate the comforting flavors of Olive Garden’s Pasta e Fagioli at home. This one-pot recipe is easy to make and packed with ground beef, pasta, and flavorful broth.
For the Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion
- 1 cup celery
- 1 cup carrot
- 1 tablespoon garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Broth Mixture
- 3 cans beef broth (14.5 ounces each)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta and Beans
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 can kidney beans (15.5 ounces)
- 1 can cannellini beans (15.5 ounces)
How to Make One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Chop onion, slice carrots and celery, then chop garlic into small pieces.
Step 2: Rinse the Beans
Rinse and drain both the kidney beans and cannellini beans thoroughly.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat:
1. Add the ground beef.
2. Stir to break up the meat as it cooks.
3. If using non-lean meat, drain excess fat once browned.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Add onion, celery, and carrots to the pot:
1. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened, stirring several times.
2. Reduce heat to medium before adding garlic and Italian seasoning; cook while stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Pour in broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and ditalini pasta:
1. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low.
3. Simmer while stirring occasionally; add beans after about 7 minutes.
4. Continue cooking until pasta is tender, approximately 5-8 more minutes.
Enjoy your delicious One Pot Pasta e Fagioli!
How to Serve One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
One Pot Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or having a casual meal at home, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter pairs perfectly, allowing you to soak up the delicious broth.
- Italian Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks add a delightful texture and complement the soup’s flavors.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness and freshness to each bowl.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A generous topping of Parmesan brings a rich flavor that enhances the overall taste.
As a Meal Prep Option
- Store in Containers: Divide into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Freeze Leftovers: This dish freezes well, making it great for quick meals later on.
With a Simple Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing balances the heartiness of the soup.
- Mixed Greens: A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
To make your One Pot Pasta e Fagioli even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opting for lean ground beef reduces grease and makes for a healthier dish.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking pasta until it’s firm ensures it doesn’t become mushy when reheated.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate additional veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; feel free to tweak salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your preference.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
Pairing side dishes with your One Pot Pasta e Fagioli can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic and parmesan make a tasty side.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar create a refreshing contrast.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms stuffed with cheese and herbs offer an elegant touch to your dinner.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables adds variety and flavor.
- Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil provide a crunchy bite.
- Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles are a healthy alternative that complements the soup perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pot Pasta e Fagioli, a few common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are some tips to ensure success:
- Using the wrong pasta: Choose ditalini pasta for the best texture. Larger pasta may not cook evenly in this one-pot recipe.
- Skipping the browning step: Browning the ground beef adds depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step; take your time to get it right.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Sautéing vegetables too long can lead to mushiness. Cook them just until they soften but still retain some crunch.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Each broth varies in saltiness. Taste your dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Not letting it simmer: Allowing the dish to simmer helps meld flavors. Don’t skip this important step for maximum taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Let the One Pot Pasta e Fagioli cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container, as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about One Pot Pasta e Fagioli that might help you out!
Can I use turkey instead of beef in One Pot Pasta e Fagioli?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative! It will give you a lighter dish with similar flavors.
How do I make One Pot Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I add more beans to my One Pot Pasta e Fagioli?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix different beans like black beans or pinto beans for added nutrition and flavor.
Is One Pot Pasta e Fagioli healthy?
Yes! This dish is packed with protein from beans and ground meat, plus plenty of veggies, making it a wholesome meal option.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Pasta e Fagioli is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping proteins based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a hearty meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Recreate the comforting flavors of One Pot Pasta e Fagioli with this easy and delicious recipe. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this hearty dish features ground beef, ditalini pasta, and a rich broth infused with spices and vegetables. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also delivers a satisfying meal that warms the soul. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this one-pot wonder is sure to impress with its robust flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion
- 1 cup celery
- 1 cup carrot
- 1 tablespoon garlic
- 3 cans beef broth (14.5 ounces each)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 2 cans beans (15.5 ounces each: kidney and cannellini)
Instructions
- Chop onion, celery, carrots, and garlic.
- Rinse and drain kidney and cannellini beans.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat if needed.
- Add chopped vegetables to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and ditalini pasta; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes, adding beans after the first 7 minutes or when pasta is tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg





