Shelly's Recipe

TORTELLINI & SAUSAGE SOUP - Crock pot

Category: Soups

1 lb. Ground Italian Sausage (hot or mild)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 cloves minced garlic
3 cups beef broth
1/2 cup red wine
1 (14 1/2 oz) can Italian stewed tomatoes
1/2 of 1 10 oz pkg frozen spinach, thawed and drained well
2 carrots, chopped
1/2 tsp basil and oregano
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 pkg. Cheese tortellini
1 medium Red bell pepper, chopped
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (dried is fine)
Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, brown sausage, garlic and onion until well browned. Drain fat. Add beef broth, wine, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, basil, oregano and tomato sauce. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Skim fat as needed. Add zucchini, tortellini, bell pepper and parsley. Simmer 15 minutes, or until tortellini floats. Serve and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with lettuce salad and crusty French Bread. If you need to thin it out, add some water until it reaches desired consistency.

To cook in the crock pot, brown sausage with onion and garlic, drain and add to 5 quart crock. Add broth, water, wine, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, basil, oregano, tomato sauce and zucchini. Cook on low 4-6 hours. Turn heat to high and add tortellini, bell pepper and bell pepper. Cook 15-30 minutes and serve. Makes about 3 quarts.