When grocery prices are climbing and the week is packed, I always appreciate a recipe that turns a handful of simple pantry staples into a warm, hearty dinner. This is the kind of budget-friendly meal that feels like something passed around the family table for years, especially when it comes from a mother-in-law who knew exactly how to feed a crowd without making it feel like a sacrifice.
This cozy bowl is plenty satisfying on its own, but I love serving it with garlic bread, buttered toast, or a simple green salad to round things out. If you want to stretch it even further for a bigger family dinner, set out grated Parmesan, crushed red pepper, and a little extra warm broth so everyone can customize their bowl.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 pound raw ground beef
1 cup dry ditalini pasta
2 cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
4 cups beef broth
Directions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
2. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the great northern beans, marinara sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
4. About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, stir in the dry ditalini. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender. If the soup thickens more than you like, stir in a splash of extra broth before serving.
5. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Make it extra hearty: If you want an even thicker, stew-like bowl, use a little less broth or let the soup sit for 5 to 10 minutes after the pasta is tender. The ditalini will keep soaking up liquid.
Meal prep tip: This is a great make-ahead dinner for busy weeks. If you know you'll be saving leftovers, cook the pasta separately and stir it into individual bowls so it doesn't absorb too much broth in the fridge.
Freezer-friendly tip: Freeze the soup base before adding the pasta for the best texture. Then thaw, reheat, and cook the ditalini fresh right before serving.
Bean swap: If great northern beans are what you have, they're perfect, but cannellini or navy beans also work well and keep the same cozy, budget-friendly feel.