Crockpot Minestrone Soup

This is another great Minestrone soup recipe- but super easy since it's made in the crock pot!

1 lb. boneless beef chuck, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 14-1/2-oz. cans diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano (undrained)
2 14-oz. cans beef broth
1 15-oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 15-oz. can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup thinly sliced carrots (2 medium)
1/4 t salt
1/4 t ground black pepper
1 cup dried bow tie pasta
1 medium yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and sliced
salt and freshly ground pepper
grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

In a large crock pot combine beef, undrained tomatoes, broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, carrots, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 9 hours or on high-heat setting for 4 to 4-1/2 hours. Add pasta and squash to cooker (if using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting). Cover and cook 30 to 45 minutes more or until pasta is tender. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with Paremesan cheese before serving. This recipe can easily be cut in half.