Italian Sausage Soup

This soup is just wonderful. Very easy to assemble and quick, while not compromising any "slow cooked" flavor. I think you'll love this soup with a crisp salad, and crusty bread.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1  lb  ground Italian sausage
• 1  cup  chopped onion
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 6  cups beef broth
• 2  cups carrots, sliced
• 16  ounces chopped tomatoes
• 2  cups  chopped zucchini
• 1  cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 8  ounces tomato paste
• 1  tablespoon  italian seasoning
• 9  ounces  cheese-filled tortellini
• 3  tablespoons  chopped fresh parsley
• 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese, garnish

Directions

1. In a large stock pot, add Italian sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until sausage is cooked through, and onion is opaque. Add broth and next seven ingredients, stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in parsley. Serve with parmesan cheese.
2. Crockpot method: In a medium skillet, saute sausage, onion, and garlic, until sausage is cooked through. Add to 3 quart crock pot with all ingredients excetp parsley and cheese. Cook on low six hours, or high for three. Stir in parsley before serving, garnish individual bowls with cheese.