HOMEMADE ITALIAN SAUSAGE BEAN SOUP

Homemade Italian Sausage Bean Soup image

My family loves this soup, so I make it often in the winter. For a little more heat, use spicy Italian sausage. - Lora Gross, Carson City, Nevada

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 40m

Yield 16 servings (4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
4 medium carrots, thinly sliced
2 celery rib, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) beef broth
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15-1/2 ounces) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup dry red wine or additional beef broth
1/3 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

Crumble sausage into a Dutch oven or soup kettle. Cook over medium heat until no longer pink, drain. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add tomatoes and Italian seasoning; cook 10 minutes longer., Add the broth, beans, water, wine or additional broth, macaroni, tomato sauce and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered until macaroni is tender, about 10 minutes. Serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 231 calories, Fat 14g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 32mg cholesterol, Sodium 748mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 11g protein.