Pasta e Fagioli with Wagon Wheel Pasta

Directions

1. 1
   Place oil and ground beef in large stew pot or kettle.
2. 2
   Saute until beef is browned.
3. 3
   Add onions, celery, carrots and diced tomatoes.
4. 4
   Allow the meat and vegetables to simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. 5
   Add beans to the meat and vegetables.
6. 6
   Add the beef broth, beef stock, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, Tabasco, pepper, and spaghetti sauce. Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for several hours.
7. 7
   15 minutes prior to serving, add the wagon wheels and continue cooking until the noodles are tender. (I found that mixing the pasta in with the soup made the pasta too soggy. I would recommend preparing the pasta separately and pouring the soup over the pasta in individual bowls.) Optionally, sprinkle with shredded parmesan or Italian blend cheeses.