Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup diced carrot
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 6 minced garlic cloves (or more)
  • 29 ounces diced tomatoes, canned
  • 15 ounces red kidney beans, canned
  • 15 ounces great northern beans, canned
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
  • 1 dash soy sauce
  • 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 12 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 12 teaspoon pepper
  • 12 lb ditalini or 12 lb other small shell pasta

Method

  • Brown the ground beef in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat.
  • Drain off most of the fat.
  • Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic and saute for 10 minutes.
  • Add remaining ingredients, except pasta, and simmer for 1 hour.
  • About 50 minutes into simmer time, cook the pasta in 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of boiling water over high heat.
  • Cook for 10 minutes or just until past is al dente, or slightly tough; drain.
  • Add the pasta to the large pot of soup.
  • Simmer for 5-10 minutes and serve.