Name: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491159H30M34S
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 1 cup ditalini pasta; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil

Warm up your evenings with Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, a comforting dish that combines hearty pasta, tender beans, and vibrant vegetables in a savory broth. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, offering an effortlessly delicious experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare – Simply add all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax.
Flavorful and Hearty – The combination of ground beef, beans, and vegetables creates a rich and satisfying taste.
Versatile Options – Customize your dish by using ground turkey or adding extra greens like kale for added nutrition.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker – Allows for hands-off cooking, making it easy to create delicious meals without constant supervision.
Skillet – Perfect for browning meat before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing flavor through caramelization.
Cutting board & Knife – Essential for prepping fresh vegetables quickly and safely.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 lb lean ground beef
– 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium kidney beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 cup ditalini pasta
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart until no longer pink. Stir in chopped onions and minced garlic; cook until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set on low heat for 6–8 hours or high heat for 3–4 hours.

Step 4: Add Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the ditalini pasta to cook until al dente.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Pair with Crusty Bread

Garlic Bread – Warm, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly, allowing you to soak up the delicious broth.
Italian Breadsticks – Soft and chewy, these sticks are ideal for dipping into the savory soup.

Add a Fresh Salad

Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan cheese and croutons complements the rich flavors of the soup.
Mixed Green Salad – A refreshing mix of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes dressed lightly can balance the hearty dish.

Top it Off

Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of freshness.
Grated Cheese – A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds creaminess and an extra layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, consider these helpful tips.

Choose lean meat – Using lean ground beef or turkey reduces fat content while keeping it flavorful.
Rinse beans thoroughly – Rinsing kidney beans removes excess sodium and improves taste.
Adjust seasoning gradually – Taste your dish before serving and adjust seasoning as needed for optimal flavor.
Cook pasta separately if preferred – For a firmer texture, cook ditalini pasta on the stovetop instead of in the slow cooker.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Enhance your meal with these delicious side dishes that pair well with Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
Antipasto Platter – An assortment of olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses makes for a tasty starter.
Stuffed Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice and vegetables offer an exciting addition to your table.
Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds nutrition and flavor to your meal.
Focaccia Bread – This fluffy Italian bread is perfect for dipping into your flavorful soup.
Zucchini Noodles – Light and healthy zucchini noodles can serve as a low-carb option alongside your pasta dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Skipping the browning step: Always brown the ground beef and sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This enhances the flavor of the dish.
Not rinsing canned beans: Failing to rinse kidney beans can lead to a gritty texture. Rinse thoroughly to improve taste and reduce sodium.
Overcooking pasta: Adding ditalini pasta too early can result in mushy noodles. Add it 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Ignoring ingredient variations: Sticking rigidly to the recipe can limit flavor. Experiment with different vegetables or substitute ground turkey for leaner protein.
Underseasoning: A lack of seasoning can make your dish bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings accordingly for a more robust flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Portion into smaller containers for easy thawing.

Reheating Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until hot throughout, usually about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta simmered together in a flavorful broth.

Can I make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein or skip it entirely. Just add more beans and vegetables for added nutrition.

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

Cooking time varies; you can set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours.

Is it possible to use other types of pasta?

Yes! While ditalini is traditional, you can swap it with any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or shells that will cook well in the soup.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a deliciously comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep. Don’t hesitate to add your favorite veggies or spices!