Warm, savory, and packed with flavor, this Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply craving a hearty soup on a chilly day, this recipe brings the delightful essence of Olive Garden right to your kitchen. With its blend of lean protein and fresh vegetables, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare while enjoying a delicious and nutritious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs and beef creates a savory taste that warms the soul.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or main course; it’s great for gatherings or family dinners.
- Hearty Ingredients: Packed with beans and vegetables, this soup is both filling and nutritious.
- Feeds a Crowd: With 12 servings, it’s ideal for meal prep or feeding a large group.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious soup, you’ll need some essential tools that will make your cooking process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over several hours.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop your ingredients, ensuring efficiency in prep time.
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 Pasta
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
- salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet. Drain any excess fat before adding it to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Add all ingredients except for the pasta into the slow cooker:
* diced onion
* chopped carrots
* sliced celery
* minced garlic
* diced tomatoes
* water
* beef bouillon cubes
* kidney beans
* northern beans
* oregano
* basil
* thyme
* apple juice
Mix well to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Set your slow cooker to low and allow it to cook for 6–8 hours. This will help develop rich flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Pasta
About 15 minutes before serving, boil the ditalini pasta on the stovetop until al dente.
Step 5: Final Touches
Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker. Stir gently and let it sit for another 15 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle into bowls, season with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Serving Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is easy and versatile. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your soup with a loaf of fresh, crusty bread. The bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth.
Topped with Parmesan Cheese
- Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl. This adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the soup.
Accompanied by a Salad
- Serve alongside a light salad, such as a mixed greens salad with a simple vinaigrette. The freshness balances the hearty pasta e fagioli.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an impressive presentation and keeps every bite delicious.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each bowl with fresh basil or parsley. It enhances the visual appeal and adds an aromatic touch.
As Leftovers
- Enjoy the pasta e fagioli as leftovers! The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious for lunch or dinner the next day.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, consider these tips:
Choose Lean Meat: Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease while maintaining flavor.
Sauté Vegetables First: Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery before adding them to the slow cooker deepens their flavors.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices according to your taste preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat!
Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking the ditalini pasta separately ensures it doesn’t become mushy in the slow cooker.
Use Quality Broth: A good-quality beef broth enhances the overall taste of your soup. Consider using homemade broth if possible.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:
Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up leftover broth.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons adds a refreshing crunch that complements the soup.
Caprese Skewers: Simple skewers of mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a fresh bite.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms stuffed with cream cheese and herbs make for a savory side that’s easy to prepare.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers bring vibrant colors and flavors to your table.
Italian Antipasto Platter: An assortment of marinated olives, artichokes, and cheeses offers variety and enhances Italian cuisine experience.
Polenta Fries: Crispy polenta fries are a delightful alternative that pairs well with warm soup.
Herbed Couscous: Light herbed couscous adds a fluffy texture that balances the heartiness of pasta e fagioli.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for to ensure the best results.
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker can lead to a greasy texture. Always brown and drain the beef for better flavor.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too many ingredients can hinder cooking. Stick to the recipe and avoid cramming in extra veggies or proteins.
- Neglecting seasonings: Forgetting to add herbs can result in bland soup. Make sure to include oregano, basil, and thyme for rich flavors.
- Adding pasta too early: Putting pasta in at the start will make it mushy. Cook it separately until al dente and add it later for perfect texture.
- Ignoring storage guidelines: Improper storage can affect freshness. Follow storage instructions carefully to keep your dish tasty longer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil until hot.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.
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 for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Can I use different beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with other beans like black beans or chickpeas based on your preference.
Is Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli healthy?
This soup is packed with lean protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious choice when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
What should I serve with my Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?
Consider pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a warm, hearty dish that is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding or swapping ingredients according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its comforting goodness!
Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Warm and comforting, this Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is the ultimate dish for chilly evenings and gatherings. With a delightful blend of lean ground beef, hearty beans, and fresh vegetables simmered to perfection in your slow cooker, this recipe encapsulates the essence of Italian comfort food. It’s not only easy to prepare—just toss in your ingredients and let the slow cooker do the magic—but it also offers a nutritious meal that will satisfy your family or guests. Enjoy it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for an inviting dining experience.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups water
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can northern beans
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- In a slow cooker, combine browned beef, diced onion, chopped carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, water, bouillon cubes, kidney beans, northern beans, oregano, basil, thyme, and apple juice.
- Mix well and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Boil ditalini pasta separately until al dente; add to the soup about 15 minutes before serving.
- Stir gently and let sit for an additional 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 60mg