Ingredients:
1/2 lb ground beef

1/2 lb Italian sausage
1 15-ounce marinara sauce

1 c sliced fresh mushrooms
1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes

1 9-ounce package cheese tortellini
1 c shredded Mozzarella


Directions:

Break beef and sausage into large pieces in 10-inch skillet. Cook over medium heat about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until brown.
Spray inside of 4 to 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Mix beef mixture, marinara sauce, mushrooms, and tomatoes in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW heat setting 7 to 8 hours. Stir in tortellini; sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook on LOW heat setting about 15 minutes longer, or until tortellini is tender.


Variation: A can of plain diced tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning can be used instead of the diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning.

Much better than it sounds!
Ingredients:

1 1/2 to 2 pounds beef, cut into small pieces
8 to 10 cups water

Beets, a bunch (usually 5 to 6), pared and cut into thin slices, quartered..,
2 medium onions, chopped

3 large carrots, pared and chopped
16 oz. sour cream

Vinegar
Salt

Black coarse pepper


Directions:
In a 6 to 8 quart stock pot, place the beef and add enough oil to coat the pan. Begin to brown the meat and continue to add a little water at a time so the meat doesn't burn or stick. This do for about 30 minutes and keep a close eye on it. Now add the water to this along with the about 2 teaspoons of salt and bring to a boil. Then turn down the heat to medium and cover and let simmer for another 30 minutes.


Add all the vegetables, stir and cover again and let cook for AT LEAST an hour. At this time, add the amount of black pepper you like and taste and see if more salt is needed. Cover, and let simmer for one more hour so all the flavors can come together.



Just before serving, take the sour cream and add slowly to the soup, stirring and mixing it up so there are no clumps. Let it melt into the broth. Then, a nice, quick dash of vinegar and stir. Taste it and see if more salt and/or vinegar is needed or desired.