Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. Packed with nutritious ingredients like lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and hearty beans, this soup is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Its rich flavors and filling nature make it an ideal choice for cold evenings or when you need a quick yet hearty meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the veggies and beans.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Family Favorite: The delicious flavors are sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Freezable: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal later on.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious soup, you will need some essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking the soup evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring minimal mess.
• Sharp knife: A sharp blade makes chopping quicker and safer, reducing prep time significantly.

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Ingredients

This wonderfully hearty soup has it all. Protein from ground beef. Veggies from onions, carrots, and celery. Complex carbs from red kidney beans and cannellini beans.

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, chopped finely
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 (8oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5oz) can beef broth
• 1 (14.5oz) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano

For the Pasta and Beans

• 8 oz dry ditalini pasta
• 1 (15oz) can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 1 (15oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

For Serving

• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for serving
• Salt and Pepper to taste

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink is showing. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked through, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Stir well to combine them with the meat.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

Next, add tomato sauce, beef broth, canned tomatoes, water, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil

Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat slightly and let simmer for 5–6 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the ditalini pasta to the soup. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until both the vegetables and pasta are tender.

Step 6: Add Beans & Finalize

Stir in the kidney beans and cannellini beans. Cook until heated through. Taste your soup; add more water if you prefer a thinner consistency. Ensure everything is well combined before serving hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is all about enhancing the comforting, hearty flavors of this delicious soup. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Serve with crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping into the soup. The warm bread complements the rich broth beautifully.

Topped with Cheese

• Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl just before serving. This adds a creamy texture and savory flavor.

Accompanied by Salad

• Pair with a light salad, such as a classic Caesar or mixed greens. This adds freshness and balances the meal nicely.

Garnished with Herbs

• Top each serving with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. It enhances both presentation and taste.

In Individual Bowls

• For a more elegant presentation, serve in individual bowls. This is perfect for entertaining guests and makes each portion feel special.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To ensure your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and texture.

• Choose lean ground beef: Opting for lean ground beef will reduce excess grease while keeping your soup hearty and satisfying.

• Add fresh vegetables: Incorporating additional veggies like bell peppers or zucchini can boost nutrition and add depth to the flavor profile.

• Season gradually: Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust the seasonings gradually. This way, you can find the perfect balance without overpowering the dish.

• Cook pasta separately: For a thicker soup, cook ditalini pasta separately and add it right before serving. This prevents it from becoming mushy.

• Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli enhances your meal’s overall enjoyment. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice; easy to prepare by spreading butter and minced garlic on sliced bread before toasting.

2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese adds crunch and tanginess.

3. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette create a refreshing contrast to the soup.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Season seasonal vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers; roasting brings out their natural sweetness.

5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and herbs complement the flavors in the soup while adding substance to your meal.

6. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese is a comforting side dish that pairs well with the hearty nature of the soup.

7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, artichokes, and marinated vegetables can provide delightful bites alongside your main course.

8. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a slightly sweet counterbalance to the savory flavors of Pasta e Fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, even small errors can affect the final flavor and texture.

• Using low-quality ingredients – High-quality meats and fresh vegetables enhance the soup’s overall taste. Always choose fresh produce and lean ground beef for the best results.
• Skipping the seasoning – Seasoning is key to bringing out flavors. Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and herbs during cooking; adjust to your taste as you go.
• Overcooking the pasta – Ditalini pasta should be cooked al dente. If overcooked, it will become mushy in the soup. Follow cooking times carefully.
• Neglecting to simmer – A proper simmer allows flavors to meld together beautifully. Take the time to let your soup simmer, enhancing its depth of flavor.
• Forgetting about leftovers – If you have leftovers, they can lose their charm if not stored properly. Make sure to store them in airtight containers for freshness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

What can I use instead of beef broth?

You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as an alternative if you’re looking for a lighter flavor profile.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, simply replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While ditalini is traditional, any small pasta like elbow macaroni or shells works well in this soup.

How do I adjust the spice level?

You can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you prefer a spicier version of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli. Adjust according to your taste!

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe is not only hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or beans based on your preferences. Give it a try; it’s perfect for a cozy dinner!