Go Back

Easy and Flavorful Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli: A Hearty Comfort Meal

A hearty, slow-cooked soup featuring lean groundbeef, beans, vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato-basil broth. Perfect for acomforting and filling meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 lb extra lean ground beef browned and drained
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • 1 can 14 to 15 oz kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can 14 to 15 ounces of diced tomatoes, including the juice.
  • 1 can 14 to 15 oz white beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 jar 24 to 26 oz tomato-basil marinara or pasta sauce
  • tsp oregano
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • cups dry pasta fusilli, shells, or ditalini
  • ¾ teaspoon of hot pepper sauce like Tabasco.
  • Grated Parmesan optional, for serving
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley optional, for serving
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the slow cooker: Add the chopped onion, browned ground beef, carrots, celery, kidney beans, white beans, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato-basil marinara sauce, oregano, beef broth, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
  • Cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
  • Cook the pasta separately: About 20 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to the package directions in a separate pot.
  • Add the finishing touches: Stir the hot pepper sauce into the soup. If desired, mix in the cooked pasta or serve the pasta on the side so it doesn't absorb too much broth while sitting in the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce if needed.
  • Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal
Keyword Pasta fagioli
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!