hearty beef and pasta soup

By á-11135

hearty beef and pasta soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 whole carrots, diced
• 4 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 clove garlic, minced
• 28 oz can crushed/chopped tomatoes
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) beef broth or fresh beef stock
• 2 whole bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup ditalini pasta, uncooked (or similar pasta shape)
• Parmesan cheese, grated

Preparation

Step 1

1. Put everything except beans, pasta and cheese into a 6-quart slow cooker and stir, making sure to break up the ground beef.

2. Cook on low 7-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.

3. 30 minutes before the end, stir in beans (drained and rinsed) and pasta. Add more salt and pepper if desired.

4. Remove bay leaves before serving. Sprinkle grated parmesan on top.