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 delightful dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prep for the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this dish is a breeze to make.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of ground beef, beans, and rich broth creates a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread for a complete dinner experience.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Perfect for infusing flavors over several hours while you focus on other tasks.
• Large skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef evenly before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Cutting board & Knife: Essential for safely preparing your vegetables, ensuring uniform sizes for even cooking.

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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 Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks until no longer pink. This step adds great flavor to the dish.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

To a 6-quart slow cooker, add the cooked ground beef along with the diced carrots, celery, onion, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, cannellini beans, and kidney beans. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 3: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Pasta

About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, stir in the uncooked ditalini pasta. Cover and continue cooking for another 30 minutes or until the pasta is tender.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your soup and adjust any seasonings if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Top with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

This Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare! Enjoy a warm bowl today!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or a gathering, here are some great ideas to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor.
• Parsley Garnish: Add chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Pair it with garlic bread to complement the rich flavors of the soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over the top just before serving for added creaminess.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melt mozzarella on top for a gooey finish that kids will love.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Achieving the perfect Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is all about enhancing flavors and ensuring the right texture. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh vegetables and high-quality beef broth for the best taste.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels before serving to suit your palate.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For a firmer texture, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it just before serving.
• Add Veggies: Boost nutrition by adding extra veggies like spinach or zucchini during the last hour of cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli can make your meal more satisfying. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots and bell peppers add color and nutrients.
3. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Soft, buttery biscuits infused with garlic complement the soup perfectly.
4. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil on skewers make a fun appetizer.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil brings Italian flair.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful balance to the savory soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is simple, but common mistakes can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker can result in a less rich flavor. Always brown the meat first for a savory base.
• Using low-quality broth: A subpar broth can make your soup bland. Opt for a high-quality beef broth to enhance the overall taste.
• Adding pasta too early: If you add pasta at the beginning, it may turn mushy. Wait until 30 minutes before serving to stir in the uncooked pasta.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tasting and adjusting seasonings at the end is vital. Don’t skip this step; flavors develop during cooking, and you may want to fine-tune them.
• Overloading with vegetables or beans: Too many additions can overwhelm the broth, leading to a dish that’s too thick. Stick to the recommended amounts for balanced flavors.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

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

Reheating Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli.

Can I use different types of beans in Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli?

Yes! You can substitute other beans like black beans or pinto beans if preferred.

How do I thicken my Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli?

If your soup is too thin, you can blend a small portion and return it to the pot or add more pasta.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with lentils or additional beans for a hearty vegetarian version.

Can I prepare Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep all ingredients and store them separately until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting dish that brings together rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. The versatility allows you to customize it easily with different vegetables or pasta shapes. Give this recipe a try for an easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to please everyone!