Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Your favorite soup from Olive Garden made at home in your slow cooker. White and red beans, ground beef, tomatoes and pasta in a savory broth.
Your favorite soup from Olive Garden made at home in your slow cooker. White and red beans, ground beef, tomatoes and pasta in a savory broth.
- salt and pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cans tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- parsley for garnish
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- parmesan cheese for topping
- 1 medium yellow or white onion diced
- 1 cup shredded or diced carrots (i used 3 medium carrot
- 1 cup diced celery (i used 3 celery ribs)
- 1 can light red kidney beans with liquid
- 1 can great northern beans with liquid
- 6 oz ditalini pasta uncooked
- 1 tbspâ better than bouillon beef base
- Carbohydrate 19.7056822993336 g
- Cholesterol 43.2613722778 mg
- Fat 7.58165658384093 g
- Fiber 1.70575491547249 g
- Protein 11.9789720889204 g
- Saturated Fat 2.79554393460188 g
- Serving Size 1 1 cups of soup (247g)
- Sodium 141.665324043779 mg
- Sugar 17.9999273838611 g
- Trans Fat 1.18365423944123 g
- Calories 193 calories
Step-by-step
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, lightly seasoning with salt & pepper.
- Add in the onions and garlic. Saute the onions until they are translucent.
- Drain excess grease and then add the meat to a large slow cooker.
- Add in the carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef base, water, red beans, great northern beans, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, thyme and apple juice.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Cook the pasta according to directions on the package.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and then add in a handful of the pasta.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Enjoy!
My Favorite Slow Cooker Comfort Food: Pasta e Fagioli
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and wholesome meals can often feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen is often daunting. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they're my secret weapon for creating flavorful, satisfying meals without sacrificing precious time.
This Pasta e Fagioli soup is a prime example. It's a hearty, flavorful Italian classic that’s surprisingly easy to make in the slow cooker. The rich broth, tender beans, and perfectly cooked pasta combine to create a comforting bowl of goodness that's perfect for a chilly evening or a lazy weekend brunch. The best part? It requires minimal prep time, allowing me to spend more quality time with my family and less time slaving over a hot stove.
The Magic of the Slow Cooker
What makes slow cooker recipes so appealing? For me, it's the simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor they deliver. The slow, low cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a symphony of taste that you just can't replicate with quicker cooking methods. This is particularly true with this Pasta e Fagioli recipe. The beans become incredibly tender, the vegetables soften to perfection, and the flavors deepen throughout the long cooking time. And the cleanup? A breeze! One pot, minimal dishes – a true lifesaver on a busy weeknight.
A Taste of Italy in My Kitchen
This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s also about bringing a taste of Italy into my home. Pasta e Fagioli is a classic Italian soup that evokes warmth and comfort. I love the earthy flavors of the beans, the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes, and the aromatic herbs that create a truly satisfying culinary experience. Each spoonful transports me to a quaint Italian trattoria, reminding me of the simple pleasures of life. It’s a meal that nourishes not only my body but also my soul.
Adaptability and Personal Touches
One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, add your favorite vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to your liking. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or substitute chicken broth for beef broth for a lighter version. The beauty of cooking is in its ability to be personalized. This recipe is a starting point; let your creativity guide you and make it your own.
More Than Just a Meal
Beyond its deliciousness and convenience, this Pasta e Fagioli holds a special place in my heart. It represents the importance of sharing meals with loved ones. The aroma that wafts through the house as it simmers is a promise of warmth and togetherness. It's a meal that brings my family together, creating memories around the dinner table. It’s a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there’s always time for simple joys, good food, and good company. That’s the true magic of this slow cooker Pasta e Fagioli.
Serving Suggestions:
This hearty soup is perfect on its own, but you can easily elevate it with a few simple additions. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil adds richness. A crusty piece of bread on the side is the ideal accompaniment to soak up the flavorful broth. For a complete meal, you could serve it alongside a simple salad or a side of garlic bread.
So, if you're looking for a flavorful, convenient, and heartwarming meal that won't tie you up in the kitchen, give this Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup a try. It’s a recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.
