Rival Crock Pot Magic

Olive Garden is on of my favorite places for Italian food. But being Italian, I will tell you, there is nothing close to a good home cooked dinner with family. This soup reminds me a lot of one that I eat at the Olive Garden…only better.

Meatballs
1 1/2 lbs mild Italian sausage, casings removed
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
½ grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic salt


Soup
4 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 garlic clove, minced
½ cup mini pasta shells
1 bag (10oz) spinach leaves
grated parmesan cheese

Combine all ingredients for the meatballs; mix well then shape into bite-sized balls. Combine broth, paste, and garlic into your Rival Crock Pot. Add meatballs, cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. About 30 minutes before ready to serve add the pasta. When pasta is al dente add spinach leaves. Ladle into bowl and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Sometimes to change it up a bit I’ll use different types of pasta, as long as they are “mini”.

On those cold winter days there is nothing like a bowl of chili with fresh baked corn bread. About six years ago I received this recipe from a friend of mine and now, make it quite a bit during the winter.

2 lbs ground beef
1 29 oz can tomato sauce
1 29oz can kidney beans (with the liquid)
1 29oz can pinto beans (with the liquid)
1 large onion diced
4 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp salt
2 cups water
1 can diced chili tomatoes


Brown the beef and drain. In your Rival Crock Pot, or other slow cooker, combine the beef plus the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.