Sausage Tortellini Soup

*This makes a lot of soup, so I always make half for our family.

1 lb Italian sausage, browned and drained

1 c. coarsely chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

6 c. beef broth

1/2 c. water

1 large can crushed tomatoes

1 med green pepper chopped

1 c. thinly sliced carrots

1/2 tsp. basil

1/2 tsp. oregano

1 (8oz) can tomato sauce

1 1/2 c. sliced zucchini

1 (10 oz) pkg. cheese tortellini

Brown sausage and drain. Saute onions and garlic in sausage pan. (I just cooked these all together). Add all ingredients except zucchini and tortellini. Simmer until carrots have cooked some. Add zucchini and continue to simmer until barely tender. In a separate pot, prepare tortellini as directed on package, but undercook a little. Drain and add to soup. Thin soup with beef broth if needed. Makes 6-8 quarts or 10-12 big servings.

from: Katie Christensen