Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup, a hearty dish that’s perfect year-round. This recipe combines lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, creating a delicious and filling meal with minimal effort, all thanks to the convenience of the slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 whole carrots, diced
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 whole bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste (I added 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper)
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (uncooked)
Directions:
- Brown the Ground Beef: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the lean ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: To the slow cooker with the browned beef, add diced carrots, celery, onion, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook Slow and Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together while the ingredients cook to tender perfection.
- Add Beans and Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, red kidney beans, and uncooked ditalini pasta. Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente and the beans are heated through.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving to avoid any bitter flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. This slow cooker Pasta e Fagioli is perfect for a comforting family dinner or to warm up on a chilly evening.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Enjoying and preserving the delicious flavors of your Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup is made easy with these helpful tips:
- Serve Fresh and Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s hot, ensuring each serving is piping hot and comforting. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.
- Accompany with Bread: Serve crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to sop up the savory broth. This complements the hearty nature of the soup and enhances the dining experience.
- Refrigerate Properly: If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.
- Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well! Store cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some room for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat with Care: When reheating, warm the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.
- Customize to Taste: Adjust the seasoning as you reheat, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if desired. This ensures each bowl maintains its delicious flavor profile.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Before serving leftovers, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil to brighten the flavors and add a touch of freshness.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup, whether enjoying it freshly made or savoring leftovers. Its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors make it a versatile dish suitable for any mealtime.
Variations:
Explore exciting twists on your Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup with these creative variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and add extra beans such as chickpeas or black beans for a protein-packed vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian soup.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy flavor. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
- Italian Sausage: Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a flavorful twist. Brown the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker with other ingredients.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutritional content and add more color to your soup.
- Cheesy Option: Stir in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamy, cheesy soup.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano to elevate the soup’s aromatic profile. Add them at the beginning of cooking for optimal flavor infusion.
- Barley Addition: Substitute ditalini pasta with barley for a heartier texture. Note that barley may require a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
- Creamy Variation: Mix in a half cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a creamy finish. Stir well to incorporate.
- Tomato Basil Twist: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh or dried basil for a more pronounced basil flavor. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for an added pop of color and aroma.
- Mushroom Lover’s Delight: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the carrots, celery, and onion before adding them to the slow cooker. The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs beautifully with the beans and tomatoes.
Try these variations to customize your Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup to suit your taste preferences or to experiment with new flavors. Each adaptation offers a unique spin on this classic Italian-inspired dish, ensuring a satisfying meal every time.
FAQs:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey for the ground beef. The soup will still be flavorful and hearty, though the taste and texture may vary slightly.
- What if I don’t have ditalini pasta?
- You can use any small pasta shape such as small shells, elbow macaroni, or even broken spaghetti noodles. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the pasta type.
- Is it necessary to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
- Browning the ground beef enhances its flavor and texture. It also helps render out excess fat. For the best results, we recommend browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?
- Absolutely! To make this soup on the stovetop, follow the same steps but use a large pot or Dutch oven. Simmer the soup over low heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
- Yes, feel free to customize the soup with additional vegetables like diced tomatoes, spinach, green beans, or bell peppers. Add them along with the other vegetables in the recipe or adjust cooking times as needed.
- How can I adjust the consistency of the soup?
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or increase the amount of pasta and beans. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or water as desired.
- What can I serve with this soup?
- Serve this soup with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a side salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this soup?
- Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
- To prevent the pasta from overcooking and becoming mushy, add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This allows the pasta to cook until al dente.
- Is this soup spicy?
- The soup as written is not spicy. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
These FAQs provide answers to common queries about making and customizing Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup, ensuring a successful cooking experience with this delicious and hearty dish.
This Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a robust, comforting flavor that will satisfy everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious Italian-inspired meal any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a cozy meal for two, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Embrace the simplicity and heartiness of slow-cooked goodness with this delightful recipe.