Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Slow cooker
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain.
2. Transfer beef mixture to slow cooker.
3. Add diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, beef broth, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in uncooked ditalini pasta.
6. Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Temperature:
Low or high setting on slow cooker
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 1190mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 26g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken
- Beef broth can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth
- Ditalini pasta can be substituted with any small pasta shape
Variations:
- Add chopped carrots and celery to the slow cooker for extra vegetables
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor
- Add a can of tomato sauce for a thicker soup
Tips and tricks:
- Brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker for extra flavor
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out
- Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
Crusty bread or garlic bread
Suggested side dishes:
Green salad or roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
If the soup is too thin, add more pasta to thicken it up. If it's too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Pasta e fagioli is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta and beans. It is a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, hearty, and comforting
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Hearty, Rich, Comforting, Tangy