Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is a must-try! This comforting dish brings the rich flavors of Italian cuisine right into your home. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a satisfying meal for gatherings, this soup features a hearty broth enriched with ground beef, beans, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta. The best part? You can easily prepare it in your slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply brown the beef and toss everything into the slow cooker. It’s that easy!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a deliciously savory soup that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
• Leftover Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store in the fridge for a quick meal later.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from beans and beef, plus vitamins from vegetables, it’s a wholesome choice.

Tools and Preparation

To make Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows you to cook your soup low and slow for maximum flavor without constant supervision.
• Skillet: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances its flavor significantly.
• Cutting board & knife: These are essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.

Ingredients

For this delightful Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, gather these ingredients:

Meat

• 1 pound ground beef

Beans

• 15 oz can cannellini beans
• 1 15 oz can dark red kidney beans

Vegetables

• 1 onion chopped
• 2 carrots cubed
• 2 stalks celery chopped

Pasta

• 1 cup ditalini pasta

Broth & Tomatoes

• 32 oz beef broth
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes

Seasonings

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 cloves garlic chopped

How to Make Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasonings

Add the crushed tomatoes along with oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic to enhance flavors.

Step 4: Mix in Vegetables

Add chopped onions, cubed carrots, and chopped celery to the mix.

Step 5: Include Both Beans

Pour in both the cannellini beans and dark red kidney beans.

Step 6: Pour Over Broth

Pour 32 oz of beef broth over all ingredients in your slow cooker.

Step 7: Add Bay Leaves

Toss in two bay leaves for additional depth of flavor.

Step 8: Cook Slowly

Stir everything together and cook on low for about 4 hours or on high for approximately 2 hours.

Step 9: Add Ditalini Pasta

After cooking time has elapsed, remove the lid and add ditalini pasta to your soup mixture.

Step 10: Final Cooking Phase

Cook for an additional 30 minutes until pasta is tender.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle into bowls and enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup!

With these simple steps, you will have a delicious meal ready to warm up any occasion!

How to Serve Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

Serving Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup can elevate your dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will enhance the meal.

Classic Pairings

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the rich broth.
• Garlic Breadsticks: A favorite alongside soups, they add flavor and texture.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate some Parmesan over each bowl for an extra layer of flavor.

Accompaniments

• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty soup well.
• Cheese Platter: Offer an assortment of cheeses to enjoy before or after the soup.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

For the best results with your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, follow these tips to ensure flavor and texture are spot on.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the taste and aroma of your soup.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as it cooks and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or Italian herbs to suit your preference.
• Cook on Low: For optimal flavor infusion, cooking on low heat allows the ingredients to meld beautifully over time.
• Add Pasta Later: To avoid mushy pasta, add ditalini in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Store Properly: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well; just leave out the pasta before freezing for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

Pairing sides with your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Caesar Salad: A classic choice with crisp romaine and creamy dressing.
2. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing appetizer.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa offer a hearty complement.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil provides a delightful contrast.
5. Vegetable Platter: A variety of raw veggies served with hummus adds crunch and nutrition.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs can be a fun side that everyone enjoys.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always brown the meat first to enhance the taste.
• Overcooking vegetables: If you add vegetables too early, they may become mushy. Add them at the right time to keep some texture.
• Ignoring herbs and spices: Forgetting to add seasonings can dull the flavor. Be sure to measure and add all herbs for a satisfying taste.
• Adding pasta too soon: Putting in the pasta at the start will make it overly soft. Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking to add it.
• Using low-quality broth: A bland broth can ruin your soup’s depth of flavor. Choose a good-quality beef broth for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup:

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How can I customize my Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup?

Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or use different types of beans based on your preference.

What is the best way to serve this soup?

Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!

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

The cooking time is approximately 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is perfect for cozy meals or gatherings. Its rich flavors and comforting ingredients make it versatile for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful bowl of warmth!

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

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Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy right into your kitchen. This easy-to-make soup combines ground beef, two types of beans, fresh vegetables, and ditalini pasta, all simmered together in a savory broth for a delicious meal that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this slow cooker recipe allows you to prepare it with minimal effort. Simply brown the beef, toss in your ingredients, and let the slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day. Enjoy this delightful bowl of soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a truly satisfying dining experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans
• 1 can (15 oz) dark red kidney beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, cubed
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 32 oz beef broth
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
2. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker and add crushed tomatoes, seasonings (oregano, basil, thyme, garlic), chopped onions, carrots, celery, both types of beans, and broth.
3. Stir well to combine and add bay leaves.
4. Cook on low for about 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
5. In the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in ditalini pasta and continue to cook until tender.
6. Remove bay leaves before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 840mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg