Crock Pot Fagioli Soup
Crock Pot Fagioli Soup! is a easy Italian recipe that serves 6. 360 calories per serving. Recipe by Haley’s Homemade on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 7 hrs | Total: 7 hrs 30 min
Cost: $18.69 total, $3.12 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 large Carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 large Celery Stalks (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
- 1 pound Seasoned Ground Beef (80% lean, pre‑seasoned with salt and pepper)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 4 cups Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 cup Galini Pasta (small pasta shapes; can substitute gluten‑free pasta)
- 1 can Red Kidney Beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- 2.5 cups Fresh Spinach (roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, for garnish)
Instructions
Prep the vegetables
Peel and dice the carrots and onion, dice the celery, and mince the garlic cloves.
Time: PT10M
Combine all base ingredients in the crock pot
Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, garlic, seasoned ground beef, canned diced tomatoes (with juice), bay leaf, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to the crock pot. Stir to break up the beef and distribute the seasonings.
Time: PT5M
Slow‑cook the soup
Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours (or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours) until the flavors meld and the beef is tender.
Time: PT6H30M
Add pasta, beans, and spinach
About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the galini pasta, drained kidney beans, and chopped spinach. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente and the spinach is wilted.
Time: PT30M
Finish and serve
Remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed, then ladle into bowls. Garnish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 360
- Protein
- 18g
- Carbohydrates
- 22g
- Fat
- 14g
- Fiber
- 3.5g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free option: use gluten‑free pasta., Low‑Carb option: omit pasta or use shirataki noodles., High‑Protein meal., Nut‑Free
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnip
- Instead of Celery Stalks: Fennel
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder
- Instead of Yellow Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Seasoned Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes, Fresh diced tomatoes
- Instead of Dried Thyme: Fresh thyme
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Fresh oregano
- Instead of Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce
- Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Galini Pasta: Orzo, Gluten‑free pasta
- Instead of Red Kidney Beans: Cannellini beans, Black beans
- Instead of Fresh Spinach: Kale, Swiss chard
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast
Equipment Needed
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Large Spoon or Ladle
- Can Opener
- Mixing Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Stirring the ground beef into the broth at the start to break it up.
- Cooking the soup for the full 6‑7 hours on low for flavor development.
- Adding pasta, beans, and spinach only 30 minutes before the end to avoid over‑cooking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, sauté the vegetables and beef in a skillet for 5 minutes before transferring to the crock pot.
- A splash of red wine vinegar at the end brightens the flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre‑grated for better melt and aroma.
Troubleshooting
Pasta becomes mushy.
Add the pasta later (about 20 minutes before serving) and check for doneness frequently.
Soup is too thick.
Stir in extra beef broth or water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Ground beef is dry.
Make sure to stir the beef into the broth early and keep the cooker on low; avoid cooking on high for the full time.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; cool to refrigerator within 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chop all vegetables a day ahead and store in a sealed bag in the fridge.
- The soup can be fully cooked, cooled, and refrigerated for 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.
- Freeze the soup without pasta; add fresh pasta when reheating for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Fabioli Soup in Italian cuisine?
Fabioli Soup is a rustic Italian bean and meat soup that originated in the countryside as a way to stretch inexpensive ingredients like beans, pasta, and a little beef into a nourishing meal for farm families.
What are the traditional regional variations of Fabioli Soup in Italy?
In northern Italy the soup often includes pancetta and barley, while in central regions like Lazio it features pork sausage and pecorino cheese. Southern versions may add tomatoes and chili flakes for extra heat.
How is authentic Fabioli Soup traditionally served in Italy?
It is traditionally ladled into shallow bowls, topped with a generous shaving of Parmesan, and served with crusty Italian bread or focaccia to soak up the broth.
During which occasions is Fabioli Soup traditionally enjoyed in Italian culture?
Fabioli Soup is a comfort food for cold winter evenings, often served on family gatherings, after‑work meals, and during religious holidays such as Christmas Eve when a hearty, meat‑free version may be prepared.
What makes Fabioli Soup special or unique in Italian cuisine?
Its combination of beans, pasta, and a modest amount of seasoned ground beef creates a balanced protein‑rich broth that is both filling and flavorful, embodying the Italian principle of simple, high‑quality ingredients.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Fabioli Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include cannellini or kidney beans, small pasta like ditalini, seasoned ground beef, and Parmesan. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for beef, gluten‑free pasta for regular pasta, and vegetable broth for beef broth.
What other Italian dishes pair well with Fabioli Soup?
A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted garlic bruschetta, or a side of sautéed greens such as escarole complement the hearty soup nicely.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Fabioli Soup?
Common mistakes include overcooking the pasta, adding beans too early (they can become mushy), and not seasoning the broth enough before serving. Follow the timing steps carefully for best texture.
Why does this Fabioli Soup recipe use a crock pot instead of stovetop simmering?
The slow cooker allows flavors to meld gently over several hours without constant attention, resulting in tender beef and a deeply infused broth while keeping the kitchen cool.
Can I make Fabioli Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Add fresh pasta when reheating to keep it from getting soggy.
What does the YouTube channel Haley’s Homemade specialize in?
The YouTube channel Haley’s Homemade focuses on easy, family‑friendly comfort food recipes, often using simple techniques like slow‑cooker meals, one‑pot dishes, and quick weeknight fixes.
How does the YouTube channel Haley’s Homemade’s approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Haley’s Homemade emphasizes minimal prep and equipment, adapting classic Italian flavors into accessible, time‑saving formats such as crock‑pot soups, whereas many other Italian channels showcase more traditional stovetop or oven techniques.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
