Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Name: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489620H3M18S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium kidney beans; 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup ditalini pasta; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth

Published: November 7, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Simply let the slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy your day.
Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, beans, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying taste in every bite.
Nutrient-Packed: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish keeps you feeling full and nourished.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this hearty soup, making it great for family dinners.
Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or to add extra nutrition.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is straightforward with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious meal effectively.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This tool allows you to cook the pasta e fagioli slowly, enhancing the flavors without constant monitoring.
Skillet: Ideal for browning the beef and sautéing vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker, which builds flavor.
Knife: A sharp knife is essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

1 lb lean ground beef
1 can (15 oz) low-sodium kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

For Flavor and Texture

1 cup ditalini pasta
4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Toppings

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Feel free to customize by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or adding kale for extra greens. You can also spice things up with crushed red pepper if desired!

How to Make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart until no longer pink. Stir in chopped onions and minced garlic; cook until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Cover the slow cooker and set on low heat for 6–8 hours or high heat for 3–4 hours.

Step 4: Add Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the ditalini pasta to cook until al dente.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is simple and rewarding. This dish is not only hearty but also versatile, allowing you to pair it with a variety of sides and garnishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Crusty Bread

Sourdough Bread: A slice of tangy sourdough complements the savory flavors perfectly.
Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a delicious crunch and flavor contrast.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Basil Leaves: Chopped fresh basil brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
Parsley: Finely chopped parsley can provide a fresh finish that enhances the overall taste.

Accompanied by Salad

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan make an excellent side.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta e fagioli.

With Cheese

Grated Parmesan: Sprinkling grated Parmesan on top adds a creamy texture and enhances flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melting mozzarella on top creates a gooey, comforting layer.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that your dish is flavorful and satisfying every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor profile and texture.
Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; you may want to add more salt or herbs for balance.
Cook on Low for Best Flavor: Slow cooking on low allows ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in rich flavors.
Add Pasta Last: Adding ditalini pasta toward the end prevents it from becoming mushy.
Substitute Wisely: For healthier options, replace beef with ground turkey or add leafy greens like spinach or kale.
Store Properly: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days for easy reheating.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli enhances the dining experience. Here are some delicious side options that complement this hearty meal beautifully.

Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks infused with garlic are perfect for dipping into the soup.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze brighten up your plate.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide an earthy balance to the meal.
Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables offers delightful variety.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and a nice textural contrast to the warm soup.
Fruits Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate after this hearty dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

Using regular beef broth: Low-sodium beef broth enhances the flavor without overwhelming saltiness. Always choose low-sodium options for better control over the dish’s seasoning.
Not browning the beef: Skipping the browning step can lead to less flavor in your soup. Take the time to brown your ground beef for a richer taste.
Adding pasta too early: If you add ditalini pasta too soon, it may become mushy. Stir it in about 30 minutes before serving to ensure perfect al dente texture.
Ignoring vegetable sizes: Cutting vegetables in uneven sizes results in inconsistent cooking. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Overcooking on high heat: Cooking on high heat can lead to mushy vegetables and pasta. Opt for low heat for a more balanced and flavorful dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer portions into a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that adds lean protein while keeping the dish light and healthy.

How do I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?

Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until all ingredients are tender and flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste. Give this comforting dish a try; it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!

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