Fazool is from the word in the Sicilian dialect that means ‘beans.’ Our January Recipe is  really simple, hearty and is perfect for the crock pot. This soup is packed with ground beef, vegetables, beans, tomatoes and pasta. Leave it to the Italians to make comfort food at its finest but SO simple to make! When you want something hearty and filling, but you just don’t feel like cooking on a cold winter night, Pasta Fazool is the answer! have it with a glass of the Cincuenta Tempranillo!
(If you want to go vegetarian, just simply leave out the beef and add some extra beans!)

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef, browned and grease drained
1 (15oz) can Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can Cannelloni Beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (10 oz) bag of frozen bell pepper, onion and celery (or substitute fresh bell peppers, onion and celery)
1 (24 oz) jar Marinara sauce
1 (32 oz) carton of chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup uncooked (gluten free ok) elbow noodles

Instructions:

1. Add the drained and rinsed beans to your cock pot with the undrained can of tomatoes.
2. Add browned ground beef, frozen veggies, pasta sauce, and chicken stock to the slow cooker. Stir well and let simmer on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Before serving add the uncooked noodles and stir well. Let the noodles cook for 15 minutes in the soup or until tender.
4. Serve immediately.