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

Directions

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