Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Make a simplified version of slow cooker pasta e fagioli, an Olive Garden favorite, right at home! Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli brings together ground beef, pasta, and beans simmered in a rich, savory broth. This meal is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep for the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Flavorful: The combination of spices and hearty ingredients creates a comforting dish that warms your soul.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—serve it as a main dish or alongside a salad for a complete meal.
• Batch Cooking Friendly: With eight servings per recipe, it’s ideal for feeding a crowd or planning meals ahead.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from beans and beef, this dish offers a well-rounded nutritional profile.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking while developing deep flavors over time.
• Large skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef evenly before adding it to the slow cooker.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 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
• 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 the Slow Cooker

To a 6 quart slow cooker, add:
1. The cooked ground beef.
2. Diced carrots, celery, and onion.
3. Crushed tomatoes and beef broth.
4. Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Cannellini beans and kidney beans.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

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

Step 4: Add Pasta

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

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your soup before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your dish, there are plenty of options to consider.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Basil: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley brings a fresh taste that pairs well with the savory broth.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread: For a flavorful twist, serve with garlic bread, which complements the rich flavors.

Add Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate some fresh Parmesan on top just before serving for added creaminess.
• Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella can be added for those who love cheesy goodness.

Include a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and pairs well with the hearty soup.
• Mixed Greens: A light mixed greens salad offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta e fagioli.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli can enhance both taste and texture. Here are some tips to make your dish truly shine.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and high-quality beef broth will elevate the overall flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preference.
• Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on LOW allows flavors to meld beautifully; avoid cooking on HIGH if possible.
• Add Pasta Later: Stir in pasta 30 minutes before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different beans for varied textures and tastes.
• Store Leftovers Wisely: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this hearty soup perfectly.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots brushed with garlic butter make a tasty addition.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer brightness.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add color and nutrients.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa provide extra heartiness.
5. Antipasto Platter: A platter of olives, artichokes, and cheeses makes for a fun appetizer.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a comforting touch alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli, a few common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Boldly skip the browning: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always brown the meat first to enhance taste.
• Boldly ignore the seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning before serving can result in bland soup. Always check for balance just before you finish cooking.
• Boldly overcrowd the cooker: Adding too many ingredients can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
• Boldly overlook pasta timing: Adding pasta too early can make it mushy. Wait until 30 minutes before serving to add uncooked pasta.
• Boldly forget storage tips: Not storing leftovers properly can spoil your meal quickly. Keep it refrigerated or frozen in airtight containers for freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli that might help clarify your cooking process.

What is Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli?

Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with ground beef, beans, and pasta cooked slowly in a rich broth. It’s perfect for cold days!

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor profile without compromising the dish’s essence.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli?

You can add vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or use different beans based on your preference for added nutrition and flavor.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Certainly! Replace the ground beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli?

It takes about 6 hours on low or 4 hours on high in a slow cooker. Don’t forget to add the pasta towards the end!

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. This comforting dish can be customized with various ingredients to suit your taste. Try it out and enjoy a warm, hearty bowl that feels like home!

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: Jennifer
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Discover the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli, an Italian-inspired dish that combines ground beef, hearty beans, and pasta simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep, this recipe is easy to make with just a few simple steps. Toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax. With its savory taste and nutritious profile—packed with protein and fiber—this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that warms your heart!

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 medium carrots, 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
• 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 no longer pink.
2. Add the cooked beef to a slow cooker along with diced carrots, celery, onion, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, cannellini beans, and kidney beans.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
4. Stir in uncooked ditalini pasta 30 minutes before cooking time ends.
5. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg