Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Warm up your evenings with Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, a comforting dish that combines hearty pasta, tender beans, and vibrant vegetables in a savory broth. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, making it effortless to prepare while delivering incredible flavor. With its rich taste and wholesome ingredients, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from beef and beans, this dish satisfies even the heartiest appetites.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the recipe by using different vegetables or proteins according to your preference.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: A delightful meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools that will help you prepare your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over time.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
• Chopping board & Knife: Essential for preparing fresh vegetables quickly and safely.

Ingredients

Warm up your evenings with Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, a comforting dish that combines hearty pasta, tender beans, and vibrant vegetables in a savory broth. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe is effortlessly delicious and will have everyone coming back for seconds.

For the Protein

• 1 lb lean ground beef

For the Beans and Vegetables

• 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Pasta and Broth

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)

Seasoning

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Topping

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart until no longer pink. Stir in chopped onions and minced garlic; cook until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Set Cooking Time

Cover the slow cooker and set on low heat for 6–8 hours or high heat for 3–4 hours.

Step 4: Add Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the ditalini pasta to cook until al dente.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Enjoy your delicious bowl of Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This delightful dish is perfect for serving at any gathering or cozy family dinner. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, you can enhance your meal with a few simple accompaniments.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Basil leaves: Sprinkle fresh basil on top just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to each bowl.

Pair with Bread

• Garlic bread: Warm, toasted garlic bread complements the soup perfectly and is great for dipping.
• Crusty baguette: Serve slices of crusty baguette to soak up the delicious broth.

Add a Salad

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta e fagioli.
• Caesar salad (without bacon): A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and texture alongside your dish.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To ensure your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose quality beef: Using lean ground beef enhances flavor without excess fat.
• Rinse the beans: Rinsing kidney beans reduces sodium and helps improve the overall taste.
• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh carrots and celery contribute better flavor compared to canned options.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; you can always add more Italian seasoning or salt as needed.
• Cook pasta separately (if desired): To prevent overcooking, consider cooking ditalini pasta separately and adding it just before serving.
• Store leftovers properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days for best quality.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender add color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Antipasto Platter: A variety of olives, cheeses, and marinated veggies provide an exciting appetizer option.
4. Stuffed Peppers (without meat): Colorful bell peppers filled with rice and spices make a filling complement to the soup.
5. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters made from grated zucchini offer a nice crunch alongside your pasta dish.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing adds wholesome goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the ground beef first can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always brown your meat for richer taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early can turn it mushy. Stir it in about 30 minutes before serving for perfect al dente texture.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can leave your dish bland. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, adding salt or spices as needed.
• Ignoring vegetable size: Cutting vegetables too large or small can affect cooking time and texture. Aim for uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Neglecting storage tips: Not properly storing leftovers can lead to spoilage. Follow storage guidelines to keep your dish fresh longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a covered dish, and heat for about 20 minutes or until hot.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty soup made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, vegetables, and pasta cooked slowly for deep flavors.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. You can also use different types of beans or pasta for variety.

How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?

Cooking time varies; typically, it takes about 6–8 hours on low heat or 3–4 hours on high heat.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough and adjust cooking times as needed based on quantity.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not only delicious but also versatile. This comforting dish warms hearts and fills bellies with its rich flavors and textures. Feel free to customize it by adding extra veggies or swapping out proteins. Give it a try; your family will love it!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warm up your evenings with the delightful Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli. This comforting Italian-inspired dish combines tender ground beef, hearty beans, vibrant vegetables, and ditalini pasta simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let your slow cooker do the hard work while you enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that is both nutritious and delicious!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned; stir in onions and garlic until soft.
2. Combine: Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, and beef broth.
3. Cook: Cover and set on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. Add pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in ditalini pasta until al dente.
5. Serve: Enjoy hot and consider garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 70mg