Tortellini Soup

Tortellini Soup from Jan Hendricker

1 lb. Italian Sausage (mild or spicy)
2 cloves garlic, divided
1 c. chopped onion
3 lg. boxes beef broth
1 c. water
3 T Parsley
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
8 oz. tomato sauce
2 - 16 oz. cans diced/chopped tomatoes (choose whatever flavor you want or just plain)
1 bag slivered carrots (I usually get frozen)
1 bag meat tortellini
1 bag cheese tortellini
2 sm. zucchini, sliced
1 med. green pepper, diced

Brown sausage in 5 qt. pot.  Drain, reserving 1 T drippings and saute onions and garlic until tender.  Add beef broth, water, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano, tomato sauce, and sausage.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 min.  Skim fat off soup (if necessary).  Stir in tortellini, zucchini, parsley and green pepper.  Simmer additional 35-45 min. or until tortellini is tender.  Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese on each serving.

You can also combine all ingredients and cook in crockpot, low 8 hrs, high 4 hrs. 

This makes A LOT.  1 batch easily fills a crockpot and a large stew pot.  I usually split the recipe and make half in the crock pot (for that night's dinner) and put half on the stove, to save and freeze for another dinner.