Easy Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe: A Cozy Italian Comfort Dish
If you’re craving a hearty bowl of comfort food, this easy Crockpot Pasta Fagioli recipe is here to satisfy. Packed with tender pasta, vibrant vegetables, savory ground beef, and flavorful Italian herbs, this cozy dish brings classic Italian flavors to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weekdays or relaxing weekends, this slow cooker recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves nourishing and fuss-free meals.
Warm, filling, and family-approved, Pasta Fagioli is a perfect all-season recipe. The slow-cooking process melds the rich flavors together, creating a satisfying meal that tastes even better as leftovers. Let’s take a closer look at why you’ll love this down-to-earth dish!
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A delicious balance of savory beef, aromatic herbs, and the slight acidic bite of tomatoes combined with earthy beans.
- Texture: Creamy beans meet tender vegetables, firm pasta, and rich broth for a well-rounded mouthfeel.
- Aroma: The comforting smell of Italian herbs—oregano, basil, and thyme—mingling with garlic and simmering broth is simply irresistible.
- Visual Appeal: A vibrant mix of colorful vegetables, bright spinach, and hearty pasta makes for a beautiful bowl.
- Skill Level Needed: Minimal cooking skills are required; it’s as simple as browning meat and letting the crockpot do the work!
- Special Equipment: A large crockpot or slow cooker, a skillet for browning, and basic kitchen utensils are all you’ll need.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Ideal for beginners or busy cooks looking for a no-fuss meal that comes together effortlessly.
- Category: Best classified as a main dish or hearty soup perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Cuisine: Rooted in Italian cuisine, this recipe is a budget-friendly take on the traditional Pasta e Fagioli.
- Cost: Affordable and made with pantry staples like canned beans, broth, and pasta.
- Season: Suitable for all seasons, but especially comforting during fall and winter.
- Occasion: Great for family weeknight meals, Sunday suppers, or as a crowd-pleaser for potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of this Crockpot Pasta Fagioli lies in how easily it comes together. With minimal prep work—mostly chopping and browning—it’s an excellent choice for time-strapped cooks. Simply set it, forget it, and enjoy the comforting aromas this dish brings to your home while it simmers.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between nutrition and indulgence. It’s loaded with fiber- and protein-rich beans, iron-packed spinach, and hearty vegetables, making it appealing for picky eaters and health-conscious diners alike.
The flavors are incredibly rich, enhanced by traditional herbs and the slow-cooking process. It’s comfort food in its purest form, excellent for feeding your family or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
As a budget-friendly recipe, it makes use of simple, affordable ingredients like beans, pasta, and ground beef. Even better, this dish stretches well for meal-prepping or delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Finally, the flavors are highly customizable, so you can adjust seasonings, swap proteins, or make it vegetarian by omitting beef and using vegetable broth. It’s versatile enough for any palate or dietary preference.
The Recipe
Easy Crockpot Pasta Fagioli
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 4 hrs 45 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Slow cooker or crockpot
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 cups diced celery
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can white navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat and transfer beef to the crockpot.
- In your crockpot, combine the cooked beef, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, navy beans, and beef broth. Stir to mix thoroughly.
- Add oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir again to evenly incorporate the seasonings.
- Set the crockpot on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
- 30 minutes before serving, add ditalini pasta. Stir well and ensure pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cook until al dente, about 20-30 minutes.
- Just before serving, stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Recipe Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the ground beef.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Ditalini pasta can be replaced with small shells or elbow macaroni.
Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear how your Crockpot Pasta Fagioli turned out! Did you add a special twist or share it with loved ones? Share your recipe photos, tips, or feedback in the comments below or tag us on social media with #PastaFagioliMoments. Let’s inspire each other!
