Made this at least 20 times in the past year! Never been disappointed!

Pasta e Fagioli, which translates to 'pasta and beans', is a hearty Italian soup that brings comfort and warmth, especially during the chilly seasons we experience here in the Midwest. This dish is not only delicious but also budget-friendly and perfect for busy families. It's packed with nutritious beans, tender pasta, and flavorful vegetables all simmered together, creating a meal that your family will love. Plus, it's a breeze to prepare in the slow cooker, leaving you with more time to spend with your loved ones.

This comforting soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and some warm, crusty bread to soak up all that delicious broth. If you want to make it extra special, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top or serve with a side of garlic bread. For a bit of crunch, consider adding a side of simple roasted vegetables.

Servings: 6-8

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup ditalini pasta
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for serving (optional)

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

2. In the slow cooker, add the cooked meat, diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, red kidney beans, cannellini beans, and chicken or vegetable broth.

3. Stir in dried oregano and dried basil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.

5. About 30 minutes before serving, add the ditalini pasta to the slow cooker. Stir well and let cook until the pasta is tender.

6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. If you have picky eaters, try adding more pasta and cheese to make it more appealing. You can also sneak in extra veggies like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.