Minestrone Plus

Makes: 6 main-dish servings (10 cups)

Prep: 20 minutes

Cook: Low 7 hours, High 3-1/2 hours

Ingredients

1  pound lean ground beef, ground pork, or sweet Italian sausage

1/2  cup chopped onion (1 medium)

2  19-ounce cans chunky minestrone

1  15-1/2-ounce can navy beans, rinsed and drained

2  cups water

1/4  cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (1 ounce)

Directions

1. In a large skillet cook ground meat and onion until meat is brown; drain off fat.

2. In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker combine cooked meat mixture, the minestrone, navy beans, and water.

3. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 7 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3-1/2 to 4 hours.

 Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese