Tender pasta, creamy beans, and savory beef simmer in a rich tomato broth for a delicious and hearty meal. The Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With minimal prep time, this dish allows you to enjoy a flavorful meal with ease. It’s an excellent choice for family dinners or potlucks, offering comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, beans, and tomatoes creates a hearty and satisfying taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or as a side at gatherings; this recipe adapts to any occasion.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fiber from beans and nutrients from vegetables, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Makes great leftovers that taste even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need a few essential tools. These items help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This is the heart of your recipe, allowing for long, slow cooking that enhances flavors while you go about your day.
• Chef’s Knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring even pieces for consistent cooking.

this recipe

Ingredients

Tender pasta, creamy beans, and savory beef simmer in a rich tomato broth for a delicious and hearty meal.

For the Beef Base

• 1 pound lean ground beef (browned)
• 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
• 3 celery stalks (sliced)
• 1 onion (diced)

For the Broth

• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans beef broth (14.5-ounce each)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

For the Beans

• 15 ounces white cannellini beans (drained)
• 15 ounces dark red kidney beans (drained)

For the Pasta

• 1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta

How to Make Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
2. Drain off any excess fat before adding to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. In your slow cooker, add the cooked ground beef along with:
2. Diced carrots
3. Sliced celery
4. Diced onion
5. Crushed tomatoes
6. Beef broth
7. Italian seasoning
8. Drained cannellini beans
9. Drained kidney beans

Step 3: Cook Your Dish

1. Set your slow cooker to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.

Step 4: Add Pasta Before Serving

1. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in uncooked ditalini pasta.
2. Cover and continue cooking until pasta is tender.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

1. Before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy your deliciously comforting Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Serving your Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe can elevate the meal experience. Consider these ideas to enhance your dish.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to complement the rich broth and soak up the flavors.

Grated Cheese

• Parmesan or Pecorino Romano: Sprinkle freshly grated cheese on top for a creamy finish that adds depth to each bite.

Salad

• Caesar Salad: Pair with a light Caesar salad to balance out the hearty pasta e fagioli.

Olive Oil Drizzle

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can enhance the overall taste.

Lemon Wedge

• Fresh Lemon: Offer lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their soup, adding brightness.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe involves a few key steps. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Bold Seasoning: Don’t be shy with spices! Adjust the Italian seasoning and add more if necessary for a robust flavor.
• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality canned tomatoes for better taste and nutrition.
• Proper Browning: Make sure to brown the ground beef well before adding it to the slow cooker; this adds rich flavor.
• Timing Matters: Stir in the pasta at the right time—30 minutes before serving ensures it remains tender without becoming mushy.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste your dish before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day!

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe can make your meal complete. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted, this classic will complement your hearty soup beautifully.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the warm dish.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies adds color and nutrition to your table.
4. Antipasto Platter: Include olives, marinated artichokes, and peppers for a savory appetizer before your main meal.
5. Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious, quinoa salad provides a healthy option that pairs nicely with pasta fagioli.
6. Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta brings a crunchy texture that complements the soup well.
7. Mixed Green Salad: A simple green salad dressed lightly will refresh your palate between bites of pasta e fagioli.
8. Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins add a sweet touch that balances out savory flavors in your dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe is a delightful dish, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for when preparing it.

• Using uncooked meat: Always brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This enhances flavor and ensures safety.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to add your Italian seasoning! It’s essential for bringing out the dish’s rich flavors.
• Overcooking the pasta: Add the pasta 30 minutes before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy. Timing is key!
• Not draining canned beans: Always drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the recipe. This reduces sodium content and prevents a gritty texture.
• Ignoring ingredient sizes: Be mindful of dicing your vegetables properly. Uniform sizes ensure even cooking throughout the dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that often arise regarding the Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe.

What can I substitute for ground beef in the Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe?

You can use ground turkey or lean ground chicken as an alternative to ground beef. Both options will maintain similar flavors without compromising texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I thicken my Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe?

If you want a thicker consistency, let it cook uncovered for the last hour or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

How do I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe is not only hearty and comforting but also offers plenty of customization options. Feel free to adjust vegetables or add spices according to your taste preferences. Give it a try today!

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Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in a warm and comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli, where tender pasta meets savory beans and rich tomato broth. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, providing satisfaction with minimal effort. Simply toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. With a balance of hearty flavors and nutritious ingredients, this recipe is an excellent choice for family dinners or potlucks. Plus, it’s easy to customize to fit your taste!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans beef broth (14.5 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 15 ounces cannellini beans
• 15 ounces dark red kidney beans
• 1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the cooked beef with carrots, celery, onion, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, cannellini beans, and kidney beans.
3. Set the slow cooker to low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in uncooked ditalini pasta.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth. Add chopped spinach or kale for extra greens. Adjust seasoning to taste for a bolder flavor.