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 features a rich and hearty broth filled with ground beef, beans, fresh vegetables, and pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it’s easy to prepare in your slow cooker. The blend of flavors makes this soup a delightful choice that appeals to all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of herbs and spices creates a robust flavor profile that rivals your favorite restaurant version.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the beans and vegetables according to your preference or what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
• Family-Friendly: A hearty meal that everyone will love, making mealtime stress-free.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools for an effortless cooking experience. Having the right equipment at hand makes the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, enhancing flavors as ingredients meld together over time.
• Knife: A sharp knife aids in quick and safe chopping of vegetables, ensuring uniform cooking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup:

Meat

• 1 pound ground beef

Beans

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

Vegetables

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

Pasta

• 1 cup ditalini pasta

Broth and 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. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Add the browned beef into your slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Crushed Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables

Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery into the slow cooker. Mix well with other ingredients.

Step 5: Add Beans

Gently fold in both cannellini beans and dark red kidney beans.

Step 6: Pour in Beef Broth

Carefully pour over the mixture with beef broth ensuring all ingredients are submerged.

Step 7: Stir Well

Give everything a good stir before covering.

Step 8: Cook

Set your slow cooker on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.

Step 9: Add Pasta

Once cooked, remove the lid and add ditalini pasta.

Step 10: Final Cooking

Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until pasta is tender.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and enjoy your homemade 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 is an enjoyable experience that can be enhanced with the right accompaniments. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make your meal even more satisfying.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor pairs perfectly with the soup’s rich broth.
• Italian Breadsticks: Soft and warm, they are perfect for dipping into the soup.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing complement the heartiness of the soup.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing contrast.

Serve with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate on top for added flavor and richness.
• Mozzarella: Melted cheese mixed in gives a delightful creaminess.

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

Creating the perfect Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is easy with a few helpful tips. Here’s how you can elevate this dish.

• Bold flavors: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
• Proper browning: Brown the ground beef thoroughly to enhance its flavor before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Texture balance: Add pasta towards the end of cooking to keep it from becoming mushy.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; you may want to add more herbs or spices based on your preference.

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

Complementing your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup with side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and warm breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make for a perfect pairing.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the hearty soup.
3. Cheesy Stuffed Peppers: These add a flavorful twist and extra veggies to your meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender bring out natural sweetness.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil adds freshness alongside the soup.
6. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and cured meats creates an inviting spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Not browning the meat properly: Ensure you brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and well-drained. This enhances the flavor of your soup.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to add seasonings like oregano, basil, and thyme. They are essential for bringing out that delicious Italian flavor.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is the base of your soup. Opt for a high-quality beef broth to elevate the taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: Add ditalini pasta toward the end of cooking. Overcooking it can make your soup mushy and less enjoyable.
• Ignoring ingredient sizes: Make sure to chop vegetables evenly. Different sizes can affect cooking times and overall texture.
• Not letting it sit before serving: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes helps flavors meld together, enhancing taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

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

Reheating Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

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

This recipe requires about 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high for optimal flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup?

Pair this hearty soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!

Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any beans you prefer, such as black beans or pinto beans, based on your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or beans to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how cozy and flavorful it is!

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

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup. This delightful dish combines ground beef, a medley of beans, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta all simmered together in a rich broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to make but also allows for customization based on your favorite ingredients. Just set it in your slow cooker and let the flavors meld together for a delicious meal that everyone will love. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 15 oz can cannellini beans
• 15 oz can 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess fat.
2. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
3. Add crushed tomatoes and seasonings; stir well.
4. Mix in chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
5. Fold in cannellini and kidney beans.
6. Pour beef broth over the mixture.
7. Stir everything together before covering.
8. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
9. Add ditalini pasta and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until tender.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 45mg