Lazy Day Beef & Vegetable Soup Soups, Stews & Chilis

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lbs. beef for stew, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 2 cans (14 to 14 1/2 oz. each) ready-to-serve beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz.) chickpeas, drained
• 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes with garlic and onions, undrained
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning, crushed
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup uncooked ditalini or other small pasta
• shredded Romano cheese (optional)

Instructions

Combine beef, broth, chickpeas, tomatoes, water, salt, Italian seasoning and pepper to 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 quart slow cooker; mix well. Cover and cook on HIGH 5 hours or on LOW 8 hours. (No stirring is necessary during cooking.)

Stir in mixed vegetables and pasta. Continue cooking covered, 1 hour or until beef and pasta are tender. Stir well before serving. Serve with shredded Romano cheese if desired.