Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains. Browning the meat properly is essential—it creates depth and a savory richness that defines restaurant-style Pasta Fagioli. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly, just until fragrant. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This step allows the herbs to bloom in the heat, intensifying their aroma and flavor.
Step 4: Create the Tomato Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. This short simmer helps mellow the acidity of the tomatoes and brings everything together into a cohesive base.
Step 5: Add Broth and Beans
Slowly add the beef broth, stirring as you pour. Next, add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and kidney beans. Drop in a bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. This stage allows the flavors to deepen and develop.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta directly to the simmering soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Cooking the pasta in the soup allows it to absorb the savory broth, making every bite more flavorful.
Step 7: Final Taste and Adjustment
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If the soup becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and finish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. For an authentic restaurant-style touch, serve with grated Parmesan cheese and warm crusty bread on the side.
Tips for the Best Copycat Flavor
- Simmer longer if time allows: A longer simmer enhances flavor even more.
- Use quality broth: A rich beef broth makes a noticeable difference.
- Store smartly: The soup thickens as it sits—add broth when reheating.
A Bowl of Comfort with Italian Roots
Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup is the perfect blend of hearty ingredients and comforting flavors. Whether served on a chilly evening or prepared in advance for busy days, this soup delivers the satisfying taste of a restaurant favorite right from your own kitchen. Simple, nourishing, and deeply flavorful, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. 🍲
No Responses Yet