Soup's On!

When the weather gets cooler, Larry and I really enjoy a big pot of soup. It's so nice to come home to some comfort food when you've had a long hard day. This recipe works well for us, because it doesn't take long, and we get at least two meals from it. Fast and Cheap - that's our motto! If you have ever ordered the Pasta e Fagioli from Olive Garden this soup is very similar. We have lovingly named it:

"Garlic Soup"

2 pounds lean Ground Beef

1-2 Tablespoon(s) minced garlic

2 15.5 ounce cans Hunt's diced tomatoes with roasted garlic (can substitute green pepper & onion)

2 15.5 ounce cans Bush's pinto beans with bacon

2 32 ounce boxes Beef broth (I use the low sodium since we don't need the salt)

1 cup small shell pasta

Add the minced garlic to the ground beef (I season it with Mrs Dash and a little seasoning salt) Brown and drain.

In your soup pot, combine the tomatoes, beans and drained ground beef. Add one box of broth and bring this to a simmer, stirring occasionally. NOTE: If you are feeding a large crowd, use both boxes of broth, but I save one for tomorrow when I reheat so that both times we have it there is plenty of "juice"!

Just before serving (about 5 minutes) add the cup of dry pasta shells. You want to do this the last thing because they will soak up all the broth, and if you cook them first they get mushy - not good! Stir them in, cover and let them cook until al dente. ( I'm getting all Giada on you!)

You could easily make this in the crock pot and add the shells just before serving. I hope you'll try this - it's really good!

Side note: Larry thinks I have officially lost my mind because I am now taking pictures of our food! :)