This Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful is the ultimate dish for those seeking warmth and satisfaction in a bowl. It’s a delightful blend of ground beef, beans, and fresh vegetables simmered to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this soup promises comfort and flavor with every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This soup combines protein-rich ground beef and nutritious beans, making it a satisfying meal.
- Easy to Prepare: Simply toss all ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work—no fussing required!
- Versatile Flavor: Customize the spice level with optional hot sauce, and enjoy this dish with your favorite pasta shapes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time; it stores well in the fridge or freezer for easy meals later.
- Kid-Friendly: With its rich flavors and appealing ingredients, this soup is sure to please even picky eaters.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
- Chopping Board
- Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: Ideal for low-and-slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other tasks.
- Skillet: Perfect for browning meat before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Chopping Board & Knife: Essential for preparing your vegetables accurately and safely.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef (browned and drained)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14-16 oz, with juice)
For the Beans
- 1 can kidney beans (14-15 oz, rinsed and drained)
- 1 can white beans (14-15 oz, rinsed and drained)
For the Liquid
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 jar tomato-basil marinara sauce (24-26 oz)
Seasonings
- 1 1/2 tsp oregano
- 3/4 tsp hot pepper sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Serving
- 1 1/4 cups dry pasta (fusilli, shells, or ditalini, cooked separately)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Transfer the beef to a 6-7 quart slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Add them to the slow cooker along with:
* Diced tomatoes with juice
* Kidney beans
* White beans
* Beef broth
* Marinara sauce
Stir in oregano, hot pepper sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 5–7 hours or until vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Prepare Pasta
About 15–20 minutes before serving, cook the dry pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
Stir the cooked pasta into the soup. Adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or hot sauce. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Enjoy your warm bowl of Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli—a comforting dish that makes any occasion special!
How to Serve Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful
Serving Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli can elevate your dining experience, making it a delightful meal for family and friends. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance this comforting dish.
Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
- Grated Parmesan: While optional, adding grated Parmesan cheese on top provides a rich and savory flavor.
Pair with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the hearty soup, enhancing the overall meal experience.
- Crusty Italian Bread: Serve slices of crusty Italian bread to enjoy alongside the soup, perfect for soaking up those delicious flavors.
Add Extra Flavor
- Hot Pepper Sauce: For those who enjoy a kick, offering hot pepper sauce on the side allows guests to customize their spice level.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful
Perfecting your Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is easy with these helpful tips. These suggestions will ensure your soup is packed with flavor and always satisfying.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ground beef and fresh vegetables to enhance the taste of your soup.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Monitor cooking times closely; cooking too long can result in mushy vegetables. Aim for tender yet firm textures.
- Experiment with Pasta Types: Different pasta shapes absorb flavors differently. Try fusilli or ditalini for variety.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and spices gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful
Complementing your Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here’s a list of great options:
- Caprese Salad: A light salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic drizzle enhances the meal’s freshness.
- Mixed Green Salad: Tossed greens with a simple vinaigrette provide a crisp contrast to the warm soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition while complementing the soup’s flavors.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or beans make an excellent filling side dish.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Flaky biscuits infused with garlic butter and cheese pair wonderfully with the rich soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful twist that balances the savory elements of Pasta Fagioli.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli can be simple, but certain mistakes can affect the dish’s quality. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
Skipping the browning step: Browning the ground beef adds depth of flavor. Always brown your meat before adding it to the slow cooker for a richer taste.
Not draining beans: Failing to rinse and drain canned beans can lead to a too-salty soup. Always rinse your beans to keep the flavors balanced.
Overcooking pasta: Adding uncooked pasta to the slow cooker can result in mushy noodles. Cook your pasta separately and stir it in just before serving for the best texture.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each brand of broth or tomatoes has a different salt content. Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasoning as needed for optimal flavor.
Using low-quality canned tomatoes: The quality of canned tomatoes affects the overall taste. Choose high-quality diced tomatoes for a more flavorful soup.
Not allowing time for flavors to meld: Rushing the cooking time can lead to bland results. Allowing the soup to simmer enables all ingredients to combine beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful
- Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Enjoy within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, covered, and heat until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer servings to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli that might help you make the most of this recipe.
What makes Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli so comforting?
The combination of hearty beef, beans, and vegetables creates a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Can I customize my Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables or swap out the beef for turkey or chicken based on your preferences.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I use other pasta types in this recipe?
Yes! While fusilli or ditalini works well, you can use any short pasta shape you prefer, as long as it’s cooked separately before adding it in.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is not only comfort food at its finest but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various vegetables or proteins according to your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to try this simple recipe; it’s perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends!
Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli
Indulge in a warm bowl of Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli, a heartwarming dish that perfectly balances rich flavors and nourishing ingredients. This comforting soup features lean ground beef, plump beans, and vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection in a savory broth. Ideal for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike, it’s a meal the entire family will love. Simply throw everything into your slow cooker and allow it to work its magic while you attend to other tasks. Serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping, or enjoy it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added touch of brightness.
- Total Time: 52 minute
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14–16 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (14–15 oz)
- 1 can white beans (14–15 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 jar tomato-basil marinara sauce (24–26 oz)
- 1 1/2 tsp oregano
- 3/4 tsp hot pepper sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/4 cups dry pasta (cooked separately)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Transfer the beef to a slow cooker and add onions, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, white beans, beef broth, and marinara sauce.
- Stir in oregano, optional hot pepper sauce, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–7 hours or until vegetables are tender.
- About 15–20 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- Stir cooked pasta into the soup just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot pepper sauce. For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.