Shortcut Minestrone

Name: Shortcut Minestrone
Ingredients: 4 bacon strips, diced; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 medium carrots, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 jar (28 ounces) spaghetti sauce; 4 cups beef broth; 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 2/3 cup uncooked small shell pasta; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 cup frozen cut green beans; Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

14 ingredients

2 steps

Ingredients

4 bacon strips, diced
1 large onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (28 ounces) spaghetti sauce
4 cups beef broth
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2/3 cup uncooked small shell pasta
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup frozen cut green beans
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions

1

In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings; set bacon aside. In the drippings, saute onion and carrots for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes longer.
2

Stir in the spaghetti sauce, broth and beans. Bring to a boil. Add the pasta, brown sugar, basil and oregano. Cook, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Add green beans; cook 5 minutes longer or until heated through. Garnish with reserved bacon and Parmesan cheese if desired.