Hearty Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli: A Complete Comfort Meal

Pasta e Fagioli, translating to “pasta and beans,” is a beloved Italian classic that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s a dish that combines the richness of ground beef, the wholesomeness of vegetables, the creaminess of beans, and the comforting texture of pasta—all simmered together in a flavorful broth. When prepared in a slow cooker, this recipe becomes the epitome of convenience and depth of flavor. Perfect for busy days, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, melding the ingredients into a delightful, warm bowl of comfort food. In this guide, you’ll find a detailed recipe with preparation time, cooking time, and step-by-step instructions to make the perfect Pasta e Fagioli.

 

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
• Total Time: Approximately 8 hours

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground Italian sausage for a spicier flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped into small pieces
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted tomatoes recommended for added flavor)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (chicken or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives)
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

For the Seasoning

• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste

For the Pasta

• 1 cup ditalini pasta (or any small pasta like elbow macaroni or small shells)

For Garnishing

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

 

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the carrots and celery.

Step 2: Assemble the Slow Cooker

1. Add the cooked ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
2. Stir in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, dried basil, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt to taste.
3. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Slow Cook

1. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
2. The vegetables should become tender, and the flavors should meld beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. About 20-30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta separately according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir to combine.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the pasta has absorbed some of the soup’s flavors, ladle the Pasta e Fagioli into bowls.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty soup with warm crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for a complete meal. A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully with this dish.

Tips for Success

1. Customizing Protein: Use half ground beef and half Italian sausage for a more complex flavor profile.
2. Making it Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
3. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup reheats well, but you may need to add a splash of broth to thin it out if the pasta absorbs too much liquid.
4. Freezing: Pasta e Fagioli freezes beautifully. Freeze in individual portions, but leave out the pasta, as it can become mushy when reheated. Add freshly cooked pasta when serving.

 

Hearty Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is a timeless recipe that brings comfort and flavor to your table with minimal effort. Its versatility allows you to adjust ingredients to your taste while the slow cooker does the magic of blending the flavors. Whether you’re serving it on a cold winter evening or preparing it for a casual gathering, this dish never fails to impress. With its rich aroma, wholesome ingredients, and easy preparation, Pasta e Fagioli is a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Bon appétit!