Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
This hearty and comforting Pasta e Fagioli is a homemade take on the beloved Olive Garden classic. It's a one-pot meal filled with lean ground beef, vegetables, beans, ditalini pasta, and a flavorful Italian-seasoned tomato broth. Perfect for cozy weeknights or meal prepping, this soup is even tastier the next day.
Servings: 12
Calories: 205kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 stalk celery diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 carton 32 oz chicken broth
- 1 can 15 oz Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook for 3–5 minutes, breaking it apart into small pieces as it browns.
- Remove the cooked beef from the pot and drain any excess fat. Set the beef aside.
- In the same pot, add diced carrots, onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 4 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Return the cooked beef to the pot and add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Add the Great Northern beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Stir in the ditalini pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.