Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta and Beans)

I'm actually floored that I've not posted this recipe before. It is my signature soup and makes a delicious soup every time.


Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta and Beans)

Easy
Serves 8

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced (1 cup)
1 large carrot, julienned (1 cup)
2 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 - 14.5 oz cans petite diced tomatoes
1 - 15 oz can red kidney beans with liquid
1 - 15 oz can great northern beans with liquid
1 - 15 oz can tomato sauce
12 oz V-8 juice
1 T white vinegar
1 1/2 t salt
1 t oregano
1 t basil
1/2 t pepper
1/2 t thyme
1/2 lb ditali pasta


Directions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Drain off fat.
2. Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic and sauté for 10 minutes.
3. Add remaining ingredients, except pasta, and simmer for 1 hour.
4. About 50 minutes into the simmering, cook the pasta in boiling water just until pasta is al dente. Drain.
5. Add the pasta to the large pot of soup. Simmer for 5-10 minutes more and serve.

Yum.