Minestrone Soup: Kid-Friendly Meal

My favorite thing about January?  Soup in the Crock Pot!   There’s nothing better on a cold, dark night than a hearty bowl of homemade soup.

One of my family’s favorites is the tried and true Minestrone Soup.  My three year old loves this soup. It’s a great way to sneak some veggies into his diet.

I use this recipe from the little book that came with my Crock Pot.  I often change it a little, based on what's in the pantry, but the basic recipe is just killer.  

Ingredients:  

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, sliced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup cabbage, shredded
2 cloves garlic, minced
30 ounces kidney beans, drained
29 ounces beef broth
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions: 

Combine all ingredients in a Crock Pot except the macaroni and Parmesan cheese.  Cover; cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Add cooked macaroni the last 10 minutes.  When ready, add Parmesan cheese.