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 recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a family staple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply brown the meat and toss everything into the slow cooker. It does all the work for you!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning creates a deep and satisfying flavor profile.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. Perfect for any occasion!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from beans and beef, plus veggies for added nutrition.
• Great Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day! Ideal for meal prep or lunch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your kitchen tools to make the process smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for cooking the pasta e fagioli low and slow, allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
• Large skillet: Needed for browning the ground beef properly before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Cutting board & Knife: These are crucial for efficiently prepping your vegetables with ease.

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Ingredients

To prepare your slow cooker pasta e fagioli, gather these ingredients:

Protein and Beans

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 15 ounces white cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounces dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

Vegetables

• 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
• 3 medium celery stalks (diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)

Broth and Seasoning

• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 32 ounces beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Pasta

• 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 Slow Cooker

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

Step 3: Cook in Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker:
– Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.

Step 4: Add Pasta

30 minutes before cooking time is up:
– Stir in uncooked ditalini pasta.
– Cover and cook for another 30 minutes or until pasta is tender.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your dish before serving; adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade slow cooker pasta e fagioli!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve alongside slices of crusty baguette for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Complement the soup with warm, buttery garlic bread for added flavor.

Topped with Fresh Ingredients

• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for a savory finish.
• Fresh Herbs: Add chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.

As Part of a Meal

• Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
• Cheese Platter: Offer a side platter of assorted cheeses for guests to nibble on before or after their soup.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

To make your Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Starting with fresh vegetables enhances flavor and texture in your dish.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. A touch more salt or Italian seasoning can elevate the flavors.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For firmer pasta, consider cooking it separately and adding it just before serving to avoid overcooking.
• Experiment with Beans: Try different types of beans for variety; black beans or pinto beans can add unique flavors and textures.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Pair your Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli with these delicious side dishes that complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic salad featuring romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing adds crunch and freshness.
2. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes for a refreshing appetizer.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy, colorful side that balances the richness of the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices create a satisfying combination.
5. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, artichokes, marinated vegetables, and cheeses offers variety and excitement.
6. Focaccia Bread: This soft Italian bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of your delicious soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli can be easy, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.

• Not browning the beef: Failing to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always brown the meat first to enhance its taste.
• Adding pasta too early: If you add the pasta at the start of cooking, it may turn mushy. Wait until 30 minutes before serving to stir in the pasta for perfect texture.
• Over-seasoning: Too much salt or seasoning can overpower the dish. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust after tasting.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality canned tomatoes or broth can affect overall flavor. Choose high-quality ingredients for a richer taste.
• Not letting it cook long enough: Rushing the cooking time can result in undercooked flavors. Follow the suggested cooking times for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

• Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe 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 an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover; heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly.

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, all simmered together in a savory broth.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter version of this dish.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli?

Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and makes delicious leftovers, perfect for meal prepping during the week.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or beans. Give it a try for a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table!

Print

Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 57 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in a warm and hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli, a comforting Italian classic that brings the flavors of home-cooked meals to your table with minimal effort. This easy-to-follow recipe features ground beef, beans, and ditalini pasta simmered in a rich broth infused with tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or gatherings, this dish is packed with protein and vegetables, making it both satisfying and nutritious. Just brown the meat, combine the ingredients in your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you relax. Serve it up with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that will delight your family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 15 ounces white cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounces dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
• 3 medium celery stalks (diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 32 ounces beef broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink.
2. Transfer the cooked beef to a slow cooker. Add diced carrots, celery, onions, 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 during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Taste before serving; adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow cooker
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 61g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For firmer pasta texture, consider cooking it separately and adding it just before serving. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.