If you have never had the Italian-style Pasta Fagioli soup, you are missing out. 

On the rare occasions that I go out to eat at the Olive Garden, I can usually rely on both the general flavor and ingredients of their pasta fagioli soup as well as getting a reasonable portion that was meant to feed one person instead of an entire Italian family.

What follows is my take on this classic and deliciously hearty soup.  It is an easy crock pot meal that will permeate your entire home with the delicious aroma all day long.  It is a welcome warmth during these cold days of Winter!

INGREDIENTS
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
6 C stock
1 can spinach (small can)
2 carrots, diced
3 C navy beans, cooked
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
8 oz shell pasta
1 bay leaf
seasoning to taste

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Set crock pot on low heat setting.  Pour stock, spinach (drained), garlic, carrots & tomatoes into crock pot and cover.

2. Brown ground beef with onion, drain and add to crock pot.

3. Boil pasta package instructions and drain.

5. Drain navy beans and rinse (if canned).

6. Add pasta and beans to crock pot and allow to simmer for another 20-30 minutes.