Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this Pasta e Fagioli soup?
This recipe uses 2 lbs of ground beef as the primary protein.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to feed a crowd, yielding approximately 12 servings.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific restaurant?
Yes, this hearty soup is inspired by the famous Pasta e Fagioli at Olive Garden.
How long should I cook the soup on the low setting?
When using the low setting on your crock pot, cook the soup for 7 to 8 hours.
How long should I cook the soup on the high setting?
If you are in a hurry, you can cook the soup on the high setting for 4 to 5 hours.
When do I add the pasta to the crock pot?
Add the uncooked pasta 30 minutes before serving if cooking on high, or 1 hour before serving if cooking on low.
Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the soup?
No, the 8 ounces of pasta should be added to the crock pot uncooked.
Should I brown the ground beef before putting it in the crock pot?
Yes, you should brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain any excess fat before transferring it to the slow cooker.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of red kidney beans and one 16-ounce can of white kidney beans.
Should I drain the kidney beans?
Yes, both the red and white kidney beans should be drained before being added to the crock pot.
Do I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the two 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes should be added undrained, including their juice.
What kind of sauce is used for the base?
A 20-ounce jar of spaghetti sauce is used to provide a rich, savory base for the soup.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce if you prefer a bit of heat.
What vegetables are needed for this soup?
The vegetable components include one chopped onion, three chopped carrots, and four chopped celery stalks.
How much beef stock is required?
You will need three 10-ounce cans of beef stock.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with 3 teaspoons of oregano and 5 teaspoons of parsley.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is excellent for meal prep as it makes a large quantity and the flavors meld well over time.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if desired.
What should I serve with Pasta e Fagioli?
This soup is best served warm with crusty bread on the side.
What is the first step in preparing this soup?
The first step is browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
Is the Tabasco sauce mandatory?
No, the Tabasco sauce is an optional ingredient for those who want extra flavor.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of black pepper.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients used in this soup recipe.
Is this a slow cooker only recipe?
This specific recipe is designed for a crock pot, but the initial browning of meat is done on a stovetop.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, you can easily customize this soup by adding more carrots, celery, or even spinach.
How much pasta is added?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of uncooked pasta.
What type of tomatoes should I buy?
You should buy two 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes.
How many stalks of celery do I need?
The recipe calls for 4 stalks of celery, chopped.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include pasta e fagioli, crock pot recipes, soup recipe, hearty soup, Olive Garden inspired, and comfort food.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh oregano and parsley, but you may need to increase the quantities to achieve the same flavor profile.