Warm, savory, and comforting, this Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is the perfect dish for any occasion. This hearty soup combines tender beef with a medley of vegetables and beans, creating a filling meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a bowl of delicious soup, this recipe stands out with its robust flavors and easy preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few steps, you can set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy your day.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of herbs and spices enhances the taste, making every spoonful delightful.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and veggies, this soup is not only satisfying but also good for you.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer or a main course; it pairs well with bread or a fresh salad.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals later.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools before getting started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Stove
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over time.
- Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta to ensure it’s perfectly al dente.
- Knife: A sharp knife helps in easily chopping vegetables for quick prep.
Ingredients
Warm, savory soup with hearty lean and vegetarian protein!
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef (browned and drained)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups water
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
For the Beans
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can northern beans
For Seasoning
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 cup apple juice
For the Pasta
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
To Taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients. Chop vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
Place all ingredients except pasta into the slow cooker:
1. Add browned ground beef.
2. Add diced onion, chopped carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, water, beef bouillon cubes, kidney beans, northern beans, oregano, basil, thyme, and apple juice.
Step 3: Cook on Low
Set your slow cooker to low and allow to cook for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking method will enhance flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare Pasta Separately
While your soup is cooking:
1. Boil water in a large pot on the stovetop.
2. Once boiling, add ditalini pasta.
3. Cook until al dente according to package instructions.
Step 5: Combine Soup and Pasta
After 6-8 hours:
1. Add cooked pasta to the slow cooker.
2. Stir gently and allow to cook for another 15 minutes.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Ladle into bowls and enjoy your hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
This hearty soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day. It’s versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Enjoy slices of crusty bread for dipping, soaking up the rich flavors of the soup.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for added color and freshness.
Serve with Grated Cheese
- Offer grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on the side for guests to add their desired amount.
Accompany with a Side Salad
- A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the flavors and adds a refreshing crunch.
Drizzle with Olive Oil
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate the soup’s richness and flavor profile.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
To make the most of your slow cooker pasta e fagioli, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavors and texture.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality broth to ensure vibrant flavors in your soup.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs as it cooks to suit your preference.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For optimal texture, boil the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
- Add Veggies Last: For a crunchier texture, consider adding some vegetables during the last hour of cooking.
- Use Variations: Experiment with different beans or lentils to add variety and nutrition to your dish.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Pairing side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement the hearty pasta e fagioli.
- Garlic Bread – A classic choice; simply spread garlic butter on toasted baguette slices.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil for a fresh bite.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory mushrooms filled with cream cheese and herbs make a delightful appetizer.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies drizzled with olive oil and roasted until tender add color and nutrition.
- Caprese Salad – Layers of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always brown and drain the meat first for depth of flavor.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of certain ingredients can disrupt the balance of flavors. Measure everything carefully for the best results.
Adding pasta too early: Cooking the pasta in the slow cooker for too long can cause it to become mushy. Add it during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a perfect texture.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting your soup at different stages is crucial. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your preference as you cook.
Using low-quality broth: The broth is a key component in this recipe. Use high-quality beef bouillon or homemade broth for a richer taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The soup can be kept for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Transfer into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli:
Can I make Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute ground beef with plant-based protein or omit it entirely and add more beans or vegetables.
How long does Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli take to cook?
It takes about 6-8 hours on low heat in your slow cooker.
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with your favorite beans like black beans or pinto beans.
What can I serve with this soup?
This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread, salads, or even a side of garlic bread for dipping.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat level according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand. This warm and savory soup is perfect for any occasion, so give it a try!
Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Warm and comforting, Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is the ultimate dish to enjoy on any occasion. This hearty soup features tender ground beef paired with a delicious mix of vegetables and beans, delivering a filling meal that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe combines robust flavors with effortless preparation. Simply set your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. With nutritious ingredients and versatile serving options, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (browned and drained)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups water
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can northern beans
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 cup apple juice
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping the vegetables.
- In a slow cooker, combine browned ground beef, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, water, bouillon cubes, kidney beans, northern beans, oregano, basil, thyme, and apple juice.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours.
- Boil water in a large pot; add ditalini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- After the soup has cooked for 6-8 hours, stir in the cooked pasta and let it heat through for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based protein or increase the amount of beans. Adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process to suit your taste. Adding some vegetables during the last hour of cooking can provide extra crunch.