This Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or hosting family and friends, this hearty soup brings warmth and satisfaction. With tender ground beef, wholesome vegetables, and flavorful beans, each spoonful offers comfort like no other. Plus, it’s a convenient one-pot meal that allows you to enjoy your time with loved ones while it cooks away in the slow cooker.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Simply toss all ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of ground beef, beans, and marinara sauce creates a deliciously rich taste.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish can be served on its own or with crusty bread.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with proteins and veggies, this soup is sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make this comforting dish, you will need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and ensures your soup comes out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
- Chopping Knife
- Cutting Board
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors develop over several hours.
- Skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef evenly before adding to the slow cooker.
- Chopping Knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient.
- Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for cutting ingredients without damaging your countertops.
Ingredients
This Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is a hearty and comforting soup inspired by Olive Garden’s classic dish. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, beans, and pasta, it’s a perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
For the Meat & Beans
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef (browned and drained)
- 1 can kidney beans (14-15 oz, rinsed and drained)
- 1 can white beans (14-15 oz, rinsed and drained)
For the Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
For Flavoring
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14-16 oz, with juice)
- 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
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 before transferring it 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 the browned beef.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the diced tomatoes with juice, kidney beans, white beans, beef broth, and marinara sauce to the slow cooker. Stir in oregano, hot pepper sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Cook on LOW
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours until all vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
About 15-20 minutes before serving time, cook your dry pasta according to package instructions. Drain well.
Step 6: Final Mixing
Stir in the cooked pasta into the soup just before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or hot sauce as needed. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Enjoy this delicious Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli that warms your soul!
How to Serve Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful
Serving Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is all about enhancing the experience of this delicious and hearty soup. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Serve with Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor of garlic bread complements the rich soup perfectly.
- Accompany with Baguette Slices: Freshly sliced baguette provides a great texture contrast and is perfect for dipping.
Add Fresh Toppings
- Garnish with Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to each bowl.
- Top with Grated Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dairy-free alternative can enhance the flavor profile.
Create a Complete Meal
- Serve with a Green Salad: A crisp green salad dressed lightly will balance the richness of the soup.
- Include Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and nutrition to your meal.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful
To achieve an exceptional Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli, consider these helpful tips that ensure a delightful result.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables enhances the flavor and nutritional value of your soup.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: Depending on your preference, feel free to add more oregano or hot pepper sauce for an extra kick.
- Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking the pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
- Let It Sit Before Serving: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days for easy reheating.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful
Enhance your meal by pairing Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli with these delightful side dishes that complement its flavors beautifully.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with croutons and Caesar dressing offers a refreshing crunch.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic vinegar create a light and tasty option.
- Roasted Asparagus: Tossed in olive oil and seasoning, roasted asparagus adds a savory touch that pairs well with pasta fagioli.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa provide a hearty side that harmonizes with the soup’s ingredients.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, vegetable spring rolls make for a fun finger food alongside your soup.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits topped with cheese bring comfort and warmth, perfect for dipping into the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the pasta directly in the slow cooker can lead to mushy noodles. Cook it separately and add it just before serving for the best texture.
Ignoring Seasoning: Underseasoning can result in a bland soup. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving, adding more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if needed.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can affect flavor. Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality broth for a richer taste.
Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to less flavor. Always brown it first to enhance the overall taste of your soup.
Neglecting Storage Guidelines: Improper storage can spoil leftovers quickly. Follow recommended storage practices to keep your soup fresh longer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The soup will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months; ensure all air is removed from bags before sealing.
Reheating Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Stir occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until steaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli?
Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is a hearty soup featuring ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and pasta, perfect for any meal.
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or lamb for variation while still enjoying great flavor.
How do I customize my Pasta Fagioli?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Adjust spices based on your preference for heat and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and is ideal for meal prepping, making busy weeknights easier.
What sides go well with Pasta Fagioli?
Consider serving with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal experience.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is not just a comfort food classic; it’s versatile too! Customize it with different veggies or spices to match your taste preferences. Enjoy its rich flavors on busy weeknights or during cozy weekends!
Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli
Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful is your go-to recipe for a heartwarming meal that brings family and friends together. This delightful soup combines tender ground beef with a medley of vegetables and flavorful beans, simmering to perfection in your slow cooker. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it’s a one-pot wonder that offers rich flavors and satisfying nourishment. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience that warms both the heart and the soul.
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans (14–15 oz)
- 1 can white beans (14–15 oz)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14–16 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 jar tomato-basil marinara sauce (24–26 oz)
- 1 1/4 cups dry pasta (fusilli, shells, or ditalini)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and transfer to a slow cooker.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.
- Mix in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, white beans, beef broth, marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours until vegetables are tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, cook pasta separately according to package instructions.
- Stir cooked pasta into the soup just before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg