1 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage
1 lb. fresh ditalini or farfale pasta
16 oz. beef or vegetable broth
16 oz. tomato sauce
16 oz. crushed tomatoes
1/2 lb. small red beans
1/2 lb. great northern white beans
1 small onion, julienned
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
2 gloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tbsp. dry basil
1 tsp. dry oregano
salt and pepper, to taste
30 cups water, divided (8x6x16)

The night before, bring 8 cups water to a boil, remove from heat, add red and white beans, and allow to soak overnight.

Drain and rinse beans, bring 6 cups of water to a boil, add beans and water to an 8-quart Crock-Pot on high heat.

Add ground beef or sausage, onions, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Allow to cook until beans are tender and meat is cooked thoroughly (about 5 hours).

Add crushed tomatoes,  tomato sauce, and beef or vegetable broth.

In a large pot bring 16 cups water to a boil. Add pasta and cook to al denté as per package instructions. Drain and rinse in cool water.

Add pasta to soup, allow to cook for 20 minutes, and serve hot.

Enjoy!!!

Submitted by: James Martin