Beefy Minestrone

Name: Beefy Minestrone
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h 30 min
Total time: 6 h 50 min
Yield: 8 servings (3 quarts).
Ingredients: 6 cups chicken broth; 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with basil, oregano and garlic, undrained; 1 beef top round steak (1 pound) , cut onto 1/2-inch cubes; 15 fresh baby carrots, halved; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 1 small onion, chopped; 1/2 cup dry red wine; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup uncooked ditalini or other small pasta; Fresh oregano, shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

I know lots of minestrone recipes don't contain meat, but my husband thinks a meal is only a meal if it contains some sort of meat. Consequently, this is the perfect meal. It strikes that balance of flavorful, healthful, and soul-satisfying. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma

Ingredients

6 cups chicken broth
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with basil, oregano and garlic, undrained
1 beef top round steak (1 pound) , cut onto 1/2-inch cubes
15 fresh baby carrots, halved
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup dry red wine
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup uncooked ditalini or other small pasta
Fresh oregano, shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions

Combine the first 13 ingredients in a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until meat is tender.
Stir in pasta. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes or until pasta is tender. If desired, top with fresh oregano and shredded Parmesan cheese.