Recipe for Hearty Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Recipe for Hearty Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Introduction

Pasta e Fagioli, a traditional Italian soup, combines pasta, beans, and vegetables in a hearty tomato-based broth. It’s a rustic dish known for its comforting and filling qualities, perfect for chilly evenings or as a nutritious family meal. This slow cooker version allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a deeply satisfying dish with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta or other small pasta
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For Serving:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

1. Brown the Beef:
   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain the fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add a bit of oil and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and green bell pepper until just tender, about 5 minutes. Add the vegetables to the slow cooker.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • To the slow cooker, add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, beef broth, water, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cook:
   • Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Add Pasta:
   • About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the pasta. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is a testament to the power of simple ingredients simmered slowly to create a meal that’s both nutritious and comforting. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for variations based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Serve this warming soup on a cold day to satisfy hunger and soothe the soul. With every spoonful, enjoy the rich flavors and tender pasta, making this dish a family favorite to return to again and again.