Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground beef (grass fed is best or all natural)
  • 1 small onion, diced fine
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 can 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (Italian style is best)
  • can 15 oz red kidney beans (with liquid)
  • 1 can 15 oz great northern beans (with liquid)
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 12 oz V8 original vegetable juice
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
  • 2 tbsp pancetta, diced fine (sub bacon if unavailable)
  • 1/2 box or half pound ditali pasta or other pasta small enough for spoon use
  • 8 tbsp Fresh shaved parmesan (or to taste)

Method

  • In stockpot, add the oil & heat on medium
  • Add onion & garlic and clarify for 5 minutes
  • Add ground beef to pot and brown
  • Add carrots and celery and simmer for 10 minutes
  • Add the remaining ingredients except dried pasta
  • Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally from the bottom
  • After 30 minutes of simmer time, begin boiling lightly salted water to cook the pasta
  • Cook pasta as directed on box - cooked al dente, stirring often to prevent pasta from sticking
  • Drain pasta after cooking and add to simmering soup mixture
  • Serve in bowls with shaved parmesan placed on top, serve with toasted rustic or garlic bread