Pasta e Fagioli in a Slow Cooker

By cindygwest

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 carton (32 ounces) chicken broth
• 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 1-1/2 cups finely chopped cabbage
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup ditalini or other small pasta
• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Preparation

Step 1

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until beef is no longer pink and onion is tender; drain.
Transfer to a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the broth, tomatoes, beans, carrots, cabbage, celery, basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low until vegetables are tender, 7-8 hours.
Stir in pasta. Cover and cook on high until pasta is tender, about 30 minutes longer. Sprinkle with cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups (calculated without cheese): 258 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 17g protein.