I made this soup because: 1. It is my favorite soup at Olive Garden 2. I have been craving it and 3. I was a part of a freezer soup swap. It turned out very well and makes a ton! I thought it tasted VERY similar to Olive Garden’s recipe. I found the recipe at cdkitchen.com. You can go there and alter the total amount you wish to make (this recipe makes 3 qts.) and it will change all the amounts of ingredients for you.

Here is what you need for 3 qts. (serves 6)

2/3 lb Ground beef
4 oz chopped onion (about 1/2 of a medium)
4 2/3 oz slivered Carrots
4 2/3 oz diced celery
16 oz tomatoes, canned, diced
2/3 cup cooked Red Kidney Beans
2/3 cup cooked white Kidney Beans
32 oz beef stock
1 tsp. Oregano
3/4 tsp. Pepper
1 2/3 tsp fresh, chopped Parsley
1/2 tsp. Tabasco sauce
16 oz Spaghetti sauce
3 oz dry pasta bow tie macaroni (or noodle of choice)

Pillsbury freezer french baguettes (or bread of choice)

Step 1: Chop up your onions, celery and carrots

Step 2: Brown the hamburger in a 10 qt. pan until it browns

Step 3: Add onions, carrots, celery and tomatoes. Simmer about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Drain and rinse beans, add to the pot. Then add the beef stock, oregano, pepper, tabasco, spaghetti sauce, parsley and noodles.

Step 5: Simmer for about 45 minutes or until celery and carrots are tender.

Step 6: While the soup is simmering, bake your bread and fix a nice salad

Enjoy!

Cost of Meal for a family of 6: $14.00 (include salad, bread and soup)

Cost per person: $2.33