Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is the perfect dish for any occasion. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and easy to make, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its blend of ground beef, beans, and fresh vegetables, this soup provides a comforting meal that satisfies and warms the soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
• Hearty and Filling: This soup combines rich flavors from beef and beans, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever beans or pasta you have on hand to customize this recipe to your preferences.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the pasta and hearty ingredients, making it an ideal dinner choice.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly while allowing plenty of space for simmering.
• Cutting board: A stable surface for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of dicing vegetables, ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

This wonderfully hearty soup has it all. Protein from ground beef. Veggies from onions, carrots, and celery. Complex carbs from red kidney beans and cannellini beans.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb lean ground beef
– 1 yellow onion, chopped finely
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 3 celery ribs, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 3 (8oz) cans tomato sauce
– 2 (14.5oz) can beef broth
– 1 (14.5oz) can petite diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup of water
– 2 tsp granulated sugar
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 8 oz dry ditalini pasta
– 1 (15oz) can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
– 1 (15oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for serving
– Salt and Pepper to taste

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, cook lean ground beef until no pink is showing.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked, add chopped onions, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until the veggies soften.

Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients

Add tomato sauce, beef broth, petite diced tomatoes, water, dried basil, dried oregano, granulated sugar, along with salt and pepper. Mix well.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring this mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for about 5–6 minutes before adding the dry ditalini pasta. Cook for another 10 minutes or until both the vegetables and pasta are tender.

Step 5: Incorporate Beans

Stir in the dark red kidney beans and cannellini beans. Cook until they are heated through. Adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more water or spices if you prefer a thinner soup.

Step 6: Serve

Ensure everything is well combined and that the beans are hot. Serve your delicious soup warm with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This hearty soup is perfect for sharing with family and friends. It can be served in various ways to enhance the dining experience and complement its rich flavors.

With Fresh Bread

• Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. A baguette or rustic loaf works well.

Topped with Cheese

• Garnish each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor. The cheese melts slightly into the hot soup, making it even more indulgent.

Side Salad

• Pair with a crisp side salad featuring mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. This adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.

With Crackers

• Offer a selection of crunchy crackers on the side for texture contrast. Choose whole-grain or seasoned varieties for extra flavor.

In a Bread Bowl

• Serve the soup in individual bread bowls for a fun twist. The bread absorbs some broth, adding to the overall taste experience.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Achieving the perfect bowl of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is all about attention to detail and using quality ingredients.

• Use fresh vegetables: Freshly chopped onions, carrots, and celery will provide better flavor than pre-packaged options.
• Brown the beef well: Taking time to brown the ground beef enhances its flavor and adds depth to the soup.
• Adjust seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
• Cook pasta separately: For a thicker soup, consider cooking ditalini pasta separately and adding it just before serving. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer lets flavors meld beautifully; however, don’t overcook it after adding beans.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This soup tastes even better the next day!

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To complement your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, consider these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice that pairs perfectly with any soup. Make your own by spreading garlic butter on slices of baguette and baking until golden.

2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing and topped with croutons creates a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

3. Caprese Skewers
   Assemble cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls on skewers for an easy-to-eat appetizer that adds freshness.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers complement pasta dishes well without overpowering flavors.

5. Stuffed Mushrooms
   Bake button mushrooms stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese and herbs as a savory side dish that’s sure to impress.

6. Cheesy Polenta
   Creamy polenta topped with cheese provides a warm base that can be served alongside your hearty soup for added comfort.

7. Antipasto Platter
   Create a platter filled with olives, artichokes, roasted peppers, and cheeses for a flavorful starter that enhances the meal’s Italian theme.

8. Zucchini Fritters
   These crispy fritters are made from grated zucchini mixed with herbs and can be served as a light snack alongside your pasta fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong meat: Selecting fatty ground beef can lead to a greasy soup. Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier and tastier outcome.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long will turn it mushy. Aim for al dente texture as it will continue to cook in the soup.
• Ignoring vegetable size: Cutting vegetables unevenly can result in inconsistent cooking. Dice them uniformly so they cook evenly and enhance presentation.
• Forgetting to rinse beans: Canned beans can have excess sodium or a tinny taste if not rinsed. Drain and rinse them thoroughly to improve flavor and healthiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still provide good flavor while reducing fat content.

How do I make it vegetarian?

You can omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables for protein. Vegetable broth should replace beef broth for a tasty vegetarian option.

What type of pasta works best?

Ditalini pasta is traditional, but you can use other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells if you prefer.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is mild. Add red pepper flakes if you want to spice it up according to your taste preferences.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color in your soup.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe offers warmth and comfort with its hearty blend of flavors. It’s versatile too; customize it with your favorite veggies or beans. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and enjoy!