Meat Mixture:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

Vegetables:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced

Base and Seasonings:

• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional:

• 1 cup ditalini or small pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for serving