Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Make a simplified version of Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli, an Olive Garden favorite, right at home! Ground beef, pasta, and beans cooked for hours in a rich, savory broth smell just as good as it tastes. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors that will warm you up and keep you satisfied!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of ground beef and aromatic vegetables creates a savory broth that’s packed with flavor.
• Versatile: Customize your pasta e fagioli by adding your favorite vegetables or beans.
• Makes Great Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Feeding a Crowd: With 8 servings, it’s perfect for gatherings or feeding a large family.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious slow cooker pasta e fagioli, having the right tools can make all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for developing deep flavors over long cooking times without constant supervision.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing its flavor through searing.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
• 3 medium celery stalks (diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 32 ounces beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Beans and Pasta

• 15 ounces white cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounces dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup ditalini pasta

How to Make Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks until no longer pink.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

To a 6-quart slow cooker, add:
1. The cooked ground beef
2. Carrots
3. Celery
4. Onion
5. Crushed tomatoes
6. Beef broth
7. Italian seasoning
8. Salt & pepper
9. Cannellini beans
10. Kidney beans

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.

Step 4: Add Pasta

30 minutes before the cook time is up, stir in the uncooked ditalini pasta. Cover and cook until tender.

Step 5: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Step 6: Serve

Serve in bowls topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of slow cooker pasta e fagioli—perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful experience that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile choice for family dinners or gatherings.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top before serving for a burst of flavor and color.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate some parmesan cheese over the soup for a rich, savory finish that complements the flavors perfectly.

Accompanied by Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for dipping. The crispy texture pairs wonderfully with the soup’s richness.

In Individual Bowls

• Personalized Servings: Ladle the soup into individual bowls, allowing guests to customize their toppings, such as cheese or herbs.

With a Side Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Achieving the perfect Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli involves some simple tips. With these suggestions, you can enhance flavors and ensure satisfaction with every bowl.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Select fresh vegetables and quality ground beef for the best flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your preferences.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For optimal texture, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it just before serving if you prefer it less mushy.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess that balances the soup’s texture.
2. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil makes for an easy appetizer that complements the dish.
3. Vegetable Platter: A colorful vegetable platter with hummus offers a healthy crunch alongside your hearty soup.
4. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Soft, fluffy biscuits infused with garlic and cheese provide a comforting addition to your meal.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies add another layer of flavor to your dining table.
6. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus brings brightness and freshness that enhance the overall meal presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final dish.

• Bold Timing Issues: Not cooking the pasta long enough can lead to an undesirably chewy texture. Be sure to add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Bold Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning your dish can result in bland flavors. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

• Bold Using Incorrect Beans: Opting for canned beans without rinsing them can introduce excess sodium. Rinse your beans thoroughly to improve flavor and healthiness.

• Bold Overcrowding Ingredients: Adding too many ingredients may affect cooking time and flavor concentration. Stick to the recipe for best results.

• Bold Ignoring Broth Choices: Using low-quality or overly salty broth can overpower your dish. Choose a well-flavored beef broth for a rich base.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

• Use freezer-safe containers.
• This dish freezes well for up to 3 months; just be cautious about the pasta texture upon reheating.

Reheating Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for about 2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli?

Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition and flavor variety.

Is there a vegetarian version of Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli?

Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add more beans or lentils as protein sources.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli?

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is not only delicious but also adaptable. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or changing the type of meat used. This comforting dish is perfect for any occasion, so give it a try!

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

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Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli, a delightful dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and beans simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this hearty soup is easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection. Enjoy the savory blend of ingredients that will warm you up and keep everyone satisfied!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
• 3 medium celery stalks (diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 32 ounces beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 15 ounces white cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounces dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup ditalini pasta

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the cooked beef with carrots, celery, onion, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, cannellini beans, and kidney beans.
3. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
4. Stir in uncooked ditalini pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking until tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours on LOW (4 hours on HIGH)
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg