EXPRESS PREP
Hearty Veggie Meatball Soup

It’s a snap to put together this satisfying soup before I leave for work. I just add the cooked pasta when I get home, and then I have a few minutes to relax before supper is ready.

—CHARLA TINNEY TYRONE, OK



PREP: 10 MIN. COOK: 4 HOURS MAKES: 6 SERVINGS


3 cups beef broth

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes

12 frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs (1/2 ounce each), thawed

3 bay leaves

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup spiral pasta, cooked and drained

In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the first six ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Just before serving, stir in pasta; heat through. Discard bay leaves.