Here’s an easy and hearty slow cooker Pasta e Fagioli recipe—just like the classic Italian comfort dish!
Ingredients:
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Meat
1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, great northern beans, beef broth, and seasonings (basil, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and sugar).
3. Stir well, cover, and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Step 3: Add Pasta
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add 1 cup of uncooked pasta to the slow cooker. Stir and let it cook until tender.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
5. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot with Parmesan cheese and crusty bread on the side!
Tips & Variations:
✔ For a vegetarian version – Skip the meat and use vegetable broth.
✔ Make it extra rich – Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
✔ Thicker soup? Mash some beans before adding them to the slow cooker.
This is the perfect meal for cozy nights—let me know if you need any modifications!