Tortellini Beef Soup

Prep /Total time : 7 to 8 hours ... Serves  8

1 ...................pound beef stew meat
1...................large onion, chopped  (3/4) cup
1 .................large carrot , chopped (1/2) cup
2 .................medium stalks celery , chopped (1/2) cup
2 .................clove garlic , finely chopped
2 .................teaspoons sugar
1 .................can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes , un-drained
2 ................cans (10-1/2 ounces each) condensed beef consommé
1 ................teaspoon dried basil leaves
2 ................cups frozen cheese-filled tortellini
1 ................cup Green Valley Fresh Steamers  frozen cut green beans

1.         In a  3-1/2  to 4 quart slow cooker  , add beef , onion , carrot , celery , garlic , sugar , tomatoes and beef consommé .
2 .       Cover and cook on low heat 7 to 8 hours .
3.        About  30 minutes  before serving , stir in basil , frozen tortellini  and green beans . Increase  heat setting to high . Cover , cook  about 30 minutes  or until beans are tender .

TIPS:
Use any flavor  of filled frozen pasta . Just make sure the  pieces are bite size.

Add garlic bread  for and easy meal .
Top each serving with a teaspoon of basil pesto .

Heart healthy