Tender pasta, creamy beans, and savory beef come together in this Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe for a delightful and hearty meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish provides comfort and flavor that everyone will enjoy. The slow cooking process enhances the ingredients’ natural flavors, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it until mealtime.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning creates a deeply satisfying taste.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from beef and fiber from beans, this dish is both filling and healthy.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe keeps well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep or enjoying later.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is vital for achieving the tender texture of the pasta and beans while allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables without damaging your countertops.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts on vegetables for even cooking.
Ingredients
Tender pasta, creamy beans, and savory beef simmer in a rich tomato broth for a delicious and hearty meal.
For the Meat Base
- 1 pound lean ground beef (browned)
For Vegetables
- 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 3 celery stalks (sliced)
- 1 onion (diced)
For the Broth
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans beef broth (14.5-ounce each)
For Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
For Beans and Pasta
- 15 ounces white cannellini beans (drained)
- 15 ounces dark red kidney beans (drained)
- 1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta
How to Make Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat before transferring it to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked ground beef, carrots, celery, onion, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, cannellini beans, and kidney beans to your slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Set Your Slow Cooker
Cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking time allows all flavors to develop beautifully.
Step 4: Add Pasta Towards the End
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked ditalini pasta. Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Once done cooking, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe
This Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Here are some delightful ways to serve this hearty dish.
With Fresh Bread
- Garlic Bread – Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a crunchy contrast.
- Crusty Baguette – Offer slices of a fresh baguette for dipping into the rich broth.
Topped with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese – Grate fresh Parmesan on top just before serving for added flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melted mozzarella can provide a creamy texture that complements the dish.
Accompanied by Salads
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad pairs well with the savory flavors of pasta e fagioli.
- Mixed Greens Salad – A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette adds freshness to the meal.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe
To make your Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Lean Meat – Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to keep the dish lighter and healthier.
- Fresh Vegetables – Use fresh, high-quality vegetables for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving for optimal flavor.
- Cook Time Flexibility – If you are short on time, cooking on high for 4 hours works well without sacrificing taste.
- Pasta Timing Is Key – Add pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from getting mushy.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Knots – Soft, buttery knots brushed with garlic and herbs make a delicious accompaniment.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition alongside your main dish.
- Stuffed Peppers – Colorful peppers stuffed with rice and veggies offer a hearty side that complements the pasta.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the soup.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil brings a fresh bite to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always brown the meat first for deeper flavors.
- Overcooking the pasta: Adding the pasta too early can make it mushy. Stir it in 30 minutes before serving for perfect texture.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient varies in flavor strength. Taste your dish before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Using low-quality broth: Poor-quality broth can dull the overall taste. Opt for a rich, flavorful broth or homemade stock for best results.
- Neglecting vegetable size uniformity: Cutting veggies unevenly can cause uneven cooking. Dice them into similar sizes for consistent texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- Best consumed within 2-3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe.
How long does it take to cook this recipe?
Cooking time is approximately 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low in the slow cooker.
Can I substitute ground beef with turkey?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in this Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe.
What type of beans can I use?
You can use any variety of beans such as pinto or navy beans, but cannellini and kidney beans are traditional choices.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace beef with cooked lentils or rice and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe is a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand. Try it out, and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness!
Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe
Enjoy a warm bowl of our Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Recipe that combines tender pasta and savory beef. Try it today for a hearty meal!
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans beef broth (14.5-ounce each)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 15 ounces white cannellini beans, drained
- 15 ounces dark red kidney beans, drained
- 1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer to your slow cooker.
- Add carrots, celery, onion, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, cannellini beans, and kidney beans to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked ditalini pasta and cover until pasta is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg