Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is a must-try for anyone craving comfort food with a twist. This hearty dish combines savory ground beef, wholesome beans, and fresh vegetables in a rich broth, making it ideal for cozy dinners or gatherings. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare in your slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. This soup stands out for its robust taste and satisfying texture that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices creates a deeply flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a standalone dish or served alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the beans and veggies, this soup is both filling and healthy.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Ideal for meal prep; simply store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for future meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, you’ll need some essential tools that will simplify your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors develop over hours without constant supervision.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and prepping ingredients efficiently.
• Large skillet: Useful for browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing flavor through caramelization.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup:

Protein & Legumes

• 1 pound ground beef
• 15 oz can cannellini beans
• 1 15 oz can dark red kidney beans

Vegetables

• 1 onion chopped
• 2 carrots cubed
• 2 stalks celery chopped

Starches & Liquids

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 32 oz beef broth
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes

Herbs & Seasonings

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 cloves garlic chopped

How to Make Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until fully browned, then drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add to Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned ground beef into your slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Crushed Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine all seasonings evenly.

Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables

Add chopped onions, cubed carrots, and chopped celery to the slow cooker. Mix well with other ingredients.

Step 5: Add Beans

Include both cans of beans (cannellini and dark red kidney) into the mixture. Stir gently.

Step 6: Pour Over Beef Broth

Carefully pour the beef broth over all ingredients in the slow cooker.

Step 7: Add Bay Leaves

Place bay leaves on top of the mixture.

Step 8: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 4 hours or high heat for 2 hours.

Step 9: Add Ditalini Pasta

Once cooking time is complete, remove the lid and add ditalini pasta into the soup.

Step 10: Continue Cooking

Stir well and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes until pasta is tender.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and enjoy this delightful Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

Serving Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup can elevate any meal. It offers a hearty and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with various options to enhance its flavors and textures.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked bread, like a sourdough or baguette, is perfect for dipping into the soup. It adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy broth.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish the soup with fresh parsley or basil for an aromatic finish. This adds brightness and enhances the Italian flavors of the dish.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. Use mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a refreshing contrast.

Include Cheese Toppings

• Offer shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese as a topping. Melting cheese on top of the warm soup adds creaminess and depth of flavor.

Add a Splash of Hot Sauce

• For those who enjoy spice, provide hot sauce on the side. A few drops can elevate the soup’s flavors and add an exciting kick.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

To achieve the best results with your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh vegetables: Freshly chopped onions, carrots, and celery enhance the flavor profile of your soup. They will bring out more vibrant tastes compared to pre-packaged options.

• Brown the beef thoroughly: Browning ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker develops richer flavors. Make sure to drain excess fat to keep your soup lighter.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings if necessary. Adding extra herbs or spices can personalize the dish according to your taste preferences.

• Cook low and slow: For maximum flavor infusion, cook on low for longer periods. This allows all ingredients to meld beautifully together, creating a delicious broth.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup can make your meal even more satisfying. The following suggestions complement its heartiness well.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious broth.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers add color and nutrition.
4. Bruschetta: Crisp toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil provides a flavorful appetizer.
5. Cheesy Spinach Dip: A warm, cheesy dip served with tortilla chips makes for a fun starter alongside your soup.
6. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, artichokes, and cheeses can serve as an enticing accompaniment.
7. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables create a hearty side that pairs well with the soup.
8. Focaccia Bread: Fluffy focaccia seasoned with herbs is excellent for dipping into your flavorful pasta e fagioli soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delicious result.

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful soup. Make sure to brown it well before adding it to the slow cooker for a richer taste.

• Ignoring the Seasoning: Under-seasoning the soup may leave it bland. Be generous with herbs and spices; they are essential for enhancing the overall flavor.

• Overcooking the Pasta: Adding ditalini pasta too early can result in mushy noodles. Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking to add the pasta for perfect texture.

• Not Using Enough Liquid: Insufficient broth can lead to a dry soup. Always ensure you have enough beef broth to keep everything moist and flavorful.

• Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old vegetables can diminish the soup’s quality. Opt for fresh produce for the best results and vibrant flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup.

What is Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup?

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is a hearty Italian-inspired dish made with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta simmered in a flavorful broth.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

How long does it take to cook Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup?

This soup takes approximately 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high in a slow cooker.

Can I use other types of beans?

Absolutely! You can mix and match different beans such as black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.

What should I serve with this soup?

This delicious soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad, making it a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is not just tasty but also versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of meat. This comforting dish is perfect for any day of the week—give it a try!