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, gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this recipe suits cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of ground beef, beans, and vegetables creates a deliciously hearty soup that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy this dish on its own or pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for busy weekdays.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this pasta e fagioli is sure to please everyone at the table.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process smooth, gather the essential tools before you start. A few key items will ensure your slow cooker pasta e fagioli comes out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking while developing deep flavors over several hours.
• Large skillet: Great for browning meat quickly to enhance flavor before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients efficiently.

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 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. Diced carrots
3. Diced celery
4. Diced 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 the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.

Step 4: Add Pasta

About 30 minutes before the cook time ends, stir in the uncooked ditalini pasta. Cover again and cook until tender.

Step 5: Final Touches

Taste your soup and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve in bowls topped with parmesan cheese if desired! Enjoy your comforting bowl of slow cooker pasta e fagioli with your favorite side dishes!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is all about enhancing its rich flavors and providing a delightful dining experience. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the dish perfectly.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread: Serve slices of crusty Italian bread for dipping into the hearty soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Pair with warm garlic breadsticks for a delicious side that everyone will love.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over each bowl before serving for extra flavor.
• Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella can be added on top for a gooey, comforting addition.

Served with Salad

• Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad dressed lightly can balance the richness of the pasta e fagioli.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish significantly.
• Adjust Seasoning Early: Taste your soup towards the end of cooking to adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Add pasta in the last 30 minutes to avoid mushy noodles; they should be al dente.
• Experiment with Beans: Try different beans like pinto or black beans for unique flavors and textures.
• Make It Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day; consider making it ahead of time for more robust flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette make a refreshing side.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal.
4. Bruschetta: Crispy bruschetta topped with diced tomatoes and basil is a delicious starter.
5. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables offers a variety of flavors.
6. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy cheesy polenta pairs beautifully with the savory broth of the pasta e fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking slow cooker pasta e fagioli can be simple, but some common mistakes may ruin your dish. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Boldly skip the browning step – Failing to brown the ground beef can lead to a lack of flavor. Always brown the meat first to enhance the dish’s richness.
• Boldly ignore the cooking time – Overcooking or undercooking can change the dish’s texture. Stick to the recommended cooking times for best results.
• Boldly forget about seasoning – Not seasoning properly may leave your soup bland. Taste throughout cooking and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Boldly overcrowding your slow cooker – Overfilling can prevent even cooking. Make sure you’re using an appropriately sized slow cooker for this recipe.
• Boldly skip adding pasta at the right time – Adding pasta too early can make it mushy. Add it in the final 30 minutes of cooking for perfect texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

• Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until heated through.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making slow cooker pasta e fagioli:

What is Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli?

Slow cooker pasta e fagioli is a hearty soup made with ground beef, beans, and pasta simmered in flavorful broth.

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes! Feel free to substitute other beans like black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli?

You can add vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup holds up well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker pasta e fagioli is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly comforting and versatile. You can customize it easily with different beans or veggies according to your taste. Give this delicious recipe a try; it’s sure to become a household favorite!