One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

One Pot Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful dish that brings the warmth of Italian cooking right into your kitchen. This recipe combines ground beef, ditalini pasta, and a medley of beans in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or when you need a comforting meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or main course, this one-pot wonder is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of ground beef and beans creates a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor.
• Versatile Meal Options: Serve it as an appetizer or main dish; it fits any occasion.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Rich in protein and fiber, this dish is as good for you as it is delicious.
• Perfect for Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To create your One Pot Pasta e Fagioli effortlessly, gather these essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: This ensures even cooking and allows all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
• Cutting board: A stable surface helps you chop vegetables safely and efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of chopping onions, celery, and carrots.
• Stirring spoon: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly during cooking.

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Ingredients

Recreate the comforting flavors of Olive Garden’s Pasta e Fagioli at home. This one-pot recipe is easy to make and packed with ground beef, pasta, and flavorful broth.

For the Base

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup onion
• 1 cup celery
• 1 cup carrot
• 1 tablespoon garlic
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

For the Broth

• 3 cans beef broth (14.5 ounces each)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta and Beans

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 can kidney beans (15.5 ounces)
• 1 can cannellini beans (15.5 ounces)

How to Make One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chopping the onion and slicing the carrots and celery. Then chop the garlic.

Step 2: Rinse the Beans

Rinse and drain both cans of beans in a colander to remove excess sodium before adding them later.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef while stirring to break it up into smaller pieces. If you’re using regular ground beef instead of lean meat, drain excess fat after browning.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Cook

Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Reduce heat to medium; then add garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking while stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and ditalini pasta. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 6: Simmer and Finish Cooking

Let it simmer while stirring occasionally. After about 7 minutes of simmering, add in the rinsed beans. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender—around 5-8 more minutes—and serve warm!

How to Serve One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

One Pot Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Fresh Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Crusty Baguette: A sliced baguette adds a nice crunch and is perfect for scooping up the pasta.

Garnished with Herbs

• Fresh Basil: Sprinkle chopped basil on top for a fresh aroma and flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate some cheese over each bowl before serving for added richness.

As a Main Course

• Single Bowl Meal: This dish stands well on its own as a complete meal, offering protein and veggies in every serving.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad complements the hearty soup perfectly.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with vinaigrette can refresh the palate.

How to Perfect One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

To make your One Pot Pasta e Fagioli even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavors: Use high-quality beef broth for richer flavor.
• Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables instead of frozen for better texture and taste.
• Cooking Time: Ensure you don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente when mixed in.
• Bean Varieties: Experiment with different beans like black beans or chickpeas for variety.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste test before serving to adjust salt and pepper according to preference.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing your One Pot Pasta e Fagioli with the right sides can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction create a refreshing side.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Filled with rice and spices, stuffed peppers make a hearty complement.
4. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses can serve as an engaging starter.
5. Grilled Zucchini: Simple yet flavorful, grilled zucchini enhances the overall taste of your meal.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds a nutritious grain option alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making One Pot Pasta e Fagioli can be a breeze, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the ground beef properly can lead to a less flavorful dish. Make sure to cook it until it’s well-browned before adding other ingredients.

• Adding pasta too early: If you add the pasta at the wrong time, it may become overcooked and mushy. Wait until the broth is boiling before tossing in the ditalini pasta.

• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting spices before serving can result in bland soup. Always sample your dish and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.

• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth will affect the overall taste of your One Pot Pasta e Fagioli. Choose a flavorful beef broth for best results.

• Overloading with vegetables: Adding too many vegetables can water down the flavor and change the texture of your dish. Stick to the recommended amounts for balance.

• Forgetting about the beans: If you neglect to rinse and drain your beans, they can introduce excess sodium and unwanted texture. Always prepare them ahead of time.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

• Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just label each container with the date.

Reheating One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about One Pot Pasta e Fagioli that might help you perfect this recipe:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute and offers a leaner option while maintaining flavor.

What type of beans should I use in One Pot Pasta e Fagioli?

You can use kidney beans and cannellini beans as suggested, but feel free to experiment with other beans like black beans or pinto beans if you prefer.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of One Pot Pasta e Fagioli, simply omit the meat and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. Add more veggies for depth!

Can I add extra vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Pasta e Fagioli recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it according to your taste preferences by changing up the proteins or adding more vegetables. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that warms both body and soul!