Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. This soup combines hearty ingredients like ground beef, beans, and pasta, simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you just crave a warm bowl of goodness. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even more satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this soup is simple enough for beginners.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh vegetables creates a depth of flavor that rivals restaurant versions.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the beans!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it reheats well.
• Comforting Dish: Ideal for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather, providing warmth with every spoonful.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, you’ll need just a few essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure everything cooks evenly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This is crucial for achieving tender meat and melding flavors over hours without constant supervision.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board allows for safe and efficient chopping of vegetables.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes prepping ingredients quick and easy, ensuring uniform sizes for even cooking.

Ingredients

For this Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Meat & Beans

• 1 pound ground beef
• 15 oz can cannellini beans
• 1 15 oz can dark red kidney beans

Vegetables

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

Broth & Seasonings

• 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

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 until it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Once browned, transfer the ground beef to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Incorporate Crushed Tomatoes and Seasonings

Add the crushed tomatoes along with oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add Chopped Vegetables

Next, stir in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery into the mixture.

Step 5: Mix in Beans

Add both cans of beans (cannellini and kidney) to the slow cooker.

Step 6: Pour in Broth

Pour the beef broth over all ingredients in the slow cooker.

Step 7: Stir Thoroughly

Give everything a good stir to combine all flavors well.

Step 8: Cook on Low or High

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours depending on your schedule.

Step 9: Add Pasta

After cooking time is complete, remove the lid and add ditalini pasta to the soup.

Step 10: Final Cooking Phase

Cook for an additional 30 minutes until pasta is tender.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle into bowls and serve hot! Enjoy your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup!

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. This hearty soup is perfect for gatherings, family meals, or as a comforting solo dish. Here are some great serving ideas to complement your soup.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette pairs perfectly with the soup, allowing you to soak up every last drop.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery garlic breadsticks add an extra layer of flavor to your meal.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top for a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the soup.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melted mozzarella adds creaminess and pairs well with the Italian flavors in the soup.

Accompanied by Salads

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
• Italian Chopped Salad: A mix of vegetables and olives tossed in Italian dressing adds a vibrant touch to your meal.

With a Dash of Spice

• Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for an added kick if you enjoy spicy flavors.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to enhance the aroma and taste.

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

To make sure your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Taste: Use high-quality beef broth for a richer flavor. Homemade broth can elevate this dish even further.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
• Cooking Time Adjustments: If you’re short on time, cook on high for 2 hours instead of low for 4 hours, but ensure the pasta is added at the right time.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
• Garnish Wisely: Adding fresh herbs just before serving can bring brightness to the dish and enhance its visual appeal.
• Taste Test: Always taste your soup before serving; adjust seasonings as needed to suit your palate.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup can create a full meal that satisfies everyone. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Garlic Knot Rolls: Soft rolls brushed with garlic butter make for delightful dipping companions.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted seasonal vegetables bring additional flavors and health benefits.
4. Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad dressed in vinaigrette complements the warmth of the soup nicely.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and spices provide a hearty addition that matches well with Italian cuisine.
6. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables creates an appealing starter that enhances your meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always brown the meat first for better depth of flavor.
• Ignoring the herbs: Forgetting to add or measure the herbs properly can result in bland soup. Make sure to use fresh or dried herbs as indicated for optimal taste.
• Not draining the beans: Leaving the liquid from canned beans can make your soup too watery. Always drain and rinse your beans for better texture.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding ditalini too early can lead to mushy pasta. Stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep it al dente.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tasting before serving is crucial. Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs based on your personal preference for a perfect finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow cooling completely before sealing to preserve freshness.

Freezing Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy identification.

Reheating Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, usually around 3-5 minutes total.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other meats in this soup?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef if you prefer a leaner option without losing flavor.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What if I don’t have ditalini pasta?

If you can’t find ditalini pasta, small shells or elbow macaroni work well as alternatives and will still complement the soup nicely.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is a delightful dish that combines hearty ingredients into a comforting meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various vegetables and proteins according to your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy its rich flavors that are sure to please everyone at your table!