Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is a must-try for soup lovers! This hearty dish combines a flavorful broth with ground beef, beans, and pasta, making it perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. The slow cooker method ensures that all the flavors meld beautifully, giving you a comforting meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it on game day or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe stands out for its robust taste and convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply toss all ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs, vegetables, and ground beef creates a savory broth that warms the soul.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly Dish: This soup is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Measuring Cups
• Wooden Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: The heart of this recipe; it allows for hands-off cooking while developing deep flavors over time.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables easy and safe, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurement of ingredients ensures consistent results every time you make this soup.

this recipe

Ingredients

Protein & 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

Pasta & Broth

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 32 oz beef broth
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes

Herbs & 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. Drain any excess fat before adding it to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Once the beef is ready:
* Transfer it to your slow cooker.
* Add in the crushed tomatoes along with oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaves.

Step 3: Chop and Add Vegetables

Next:
* Add the chopped onion, cubed carrots, and chopped celery into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Incorporate Beans and Broth

Now:
* Pour in the cannellini beans and dark red kidney beans.
* Add the beef broth to cover all ingredients well.

Step 5: Stir and Cook

Stir everything together thoroughly.
Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours until veggies are tender.

Step 6: Add Pasta

After cooking:
Remove the lid and stir in the ditalini pasta.
Cook for an additional 30 minutes until pasta is tender.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls and enjoy your warm Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup!

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

Serving your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup can enhance the dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy this hearty dish.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a deliciously savory pairing.
• Italian Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks provide the perfect vehicle for sopping up the flavorful broth.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
• Caprese Salad: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a refreshing Italian twist.

Top with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over each bowl just before serving for an extra flavor boost.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melted mozzarella can add creaminess and richness to every bite.

Garnish with Herbs

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs adds color and enhances the aroma of the soup.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy some heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile.

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

To achieve the best version of your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and high-quality broth makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Don’t Skip Browning the Beef: Browning ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker deepens the overall flavor of the soup.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to tweak seasonings based on your preference; more herbs can enhance freshness.
• Consider Adding Spinach: Stirring in fresh or frozen spinach during the last 30 minutes boosts nutrition and adds color.
• Use Al Dente Pasta: Cook pasta separately if you prefer it firmer; add it right before serving to avoid mushiness.
• Let It Sit Overnight: Allowing leftovers to sit in the fridge overnight lets flavors meld beautifully for even better taste.

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

Completing your meal with complementary side dishes can take your dining experience to another level. Here are some top suggestions.

1. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a fresh and crunchy element.
2. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses creates a flavorful appetizer that pairs well with soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices make for a hearty, colorful side dish.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender add a healthy and vibrant touch alongside your soup.
5. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil on skewers provide a bite-sized treat full of flavor.
6. Polenta Fries: Crispy polenta fries offer an interesting texture contrast while being deliciously satisfying alongside soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can impact the final dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Boldly skip the browning: Failing to brown the ground beef can result in a less flavorful soup. Always brown the meat first for a richer taste.
• Boldly overlook seasoning: Not adding enough herbs and spices can lead to a bland soup. Be sure to measure your seasonings and adjust based on your taste preference.
• Boldly ignore cooking times: Cooking on low for too short a time can affect the texture of your pasta. Stick to the recommended cooking times for optimal results.
• Boldly add pasta too early: Adding ditalini pasta at the beginning will cause it to overcook and become mushy. Wait until the last 30 minutes to add it for perfect texture.
• Boldly forget about storage: Not storing leftovers properly can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze as needed for later enjoyment.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

• Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pot, stirring frequently until hot, usually about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes this Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup special?

The unique blend of beans, vegetables, and ground beef creates a hearty and comforting soup that captures the essence of Olive Garden’s famous dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I adjust the spice level?

To increase or decrease spice levels, simply add more or less of the herbs like oregano or basil according to your taste preference.

Can I use other types of beans?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix different beans like black beans or pinto beans based on what you have available.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and tastes even better after a day in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding more vegetables or adjusting spices. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its comforting flavors!

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Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 28 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in the warmth of a bowl of Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dining table. This hearty soup features tender ground beef, nutritious beans, and pasta simmered in a rich broth infused with aromatic herbs. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this slow cooker recipe minimizes effort while maximizing taste. With customizable ingredients, you can easily adjust flavors to suit your preferences, ensuring every bowl is a hit among both kids and adults alike. Enjoy the ease of a comforting meal that’s ready when you are!

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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)

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaves to the slow cooker with the beef.
3. Chop and add onion, carrots, and celery to the mixture.
4. Pour in cannellini beans and dark red kidney beans followed by beef broth to cover all ingredients.
5. Stir well and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours until veggies are tender.
6. Remove the lid and stir in ditalini pasta; cook an additional 30 minutes until pasta is tender.
7. Serve warm in bowls.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: For added nutrition and color, consider stirring in fresh spinach during the last cooking phase. Customize your soup by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini based on what you have available.