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That recipe title makes me laugh.  It looks like it should be someone’s name –granted, that someone would have suffered terribly in gradeschool.  Poor kid.

Anyway, it is supposed to be a copycat of an Olive Garden favorite. I have only been to Olive Garden once and I didn’t order this dish, so I can’t say whether it compares favorably or not.  However, when I found the recipe at Recipezaar, it had 64 5-star reviews from those who say it is as good or better.

I had so much fun at my Hunt’s Tomato House Party on Sunday.  This is one of the dishes I served.  It turned out to be a very hearty, soup that actually thickens over time.  The noodles absorb the broth and all the flavors meld into a wonderful, comfort-food-style, Italian stew.  I think it was even better the second day.  This made a gigantic pot of soup and even after we served it at the party and again for supper, I put half in the freezer.  The kids and I are still having the yummy leftovers from the other half for our lunches.

I stuck pretty close to the original recipe, this time, although I did make a few substitutions and additions.  Here is our version of this delicious recipe.

 Ingredient List

• 1 Tbl olive oil
• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 4 large carrots, sliced thin
• 4 stalks celery, sliced thin
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• (3) 14.5 oz cans of diced tomatoes
• (2) 16 oz cans light red kidney beans
• (2) 16 oz cans great northern beans
• 8 cups beef broth
• (2) 26 oz cartons beef stock
• 1 Tbl Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp black pepper



• 5 Tbl fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• 2 tsp. Tabasco sauce
• (2) 26.5 oz cans spaghetti sauce
• 1 lb of dried piccolini pasta 

Place oil and ground beef in large stew pot or kettle.  Saute until beef is browned.

Add onions, celery, carrots and diced tomatoes.  Don’t drain the tomatoes.  Allow the meat and vegetables to simmer for about 10 minutes.

Drain and rinse all four cans of beans.  Add them to the meat and vegetables in your pot.

Add the beef broth, beef stock, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, Tabasco, pepper and spaghetti sauce.

At this point, bring your soup to a gentle boil.  Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for several hours.  This will allow the flavors to meld and your house will smell amazing!

15 minutes prior to serving, add the piccolini noodles (or the pasta of your choice) and continue cooking until the noodles are tender.

Serve piping hot with a sprinkle of shredded parmesan or Italian blend cheeses.  A lovely side salad and crusty bread are the perfect complements to complete a hearty, delicous meal!

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