1 -1/2 lbs. ground beef
1/4 lb. mild or hot Italian sausage
1 onion - diced
1 green pepper - diced
4 stalks celery - diced
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1 can kidney beans - do not drain
1 can Cannellini beans (white kidney beans) - do not drain
1 jar spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce
(if you use spaghetti sauce you need 1/2 small can of tomato paste)
1 small can of petite diced tomatoes - do not drain
2 - tablespoons parmesan cheese
4 cans beef broth
red pepper flakes to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon beef base
1 - 2 cups water
1 lb. Ditalini pasta

Directions:

Cook meats and onions together. Add peppers, minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Drain. Cook celery and carrots in water until tender. Add to the meat mixture, including the water.
Cook pasta and set aside.
In a large pot add all ingredients except pasta and simmer for one hour.
Then add cooked pasta and serve. Add more parmesan cheese if desired.

Submitted by:  Melissa Hudson