"Forgotten" Minestrone

Photo: flickr user Wootang01

Ingredients

1 pound lean beef stew meat

6 cups water

1 can tomatoes with liquid - (28 oz) cut up

1 beef bouillon cube

1 medium onion chopped

2 tablespoons dried minced parsley

2 1/2 teaspoons salt (optional)

1 1/2 teaspoons ground thyme

1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper

1 medium zucchini thinly sliced

2 cups cabbage finely chopped

1 can garbanzo beans - (16 oz) drained

1 cup uncooked small elbow or shell macaroni

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation

In a slow cooker, combine beef, water, tomatoes, bouillon, onion, parsley, salt, thyme, and pepper. Cover and cook on LOW 7 to 9 hours, or until meat is tender.

Add zucchini, cabbage, beans, and macaroni; cook on HIGH, covered, 30 to 45 minutes more, or until the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle individual servings with Parmesan cheese, if desired.