Forgotten Minestrone

This is my husband's favorite minestrone soup recipe.

Minestrone is the name for a variety of thick italian soups made with vegetables, often with the addition of pasta or rice. Common ingredients include beans, onions, celery, carrots, stock, and tomatoes. There is no set recipe for minestrone, since it is usually made out of whatever vegetables are in season. It can be vegetarian, contain meat, or contain a meat-based broth (such as chicken stock). Minestrone is one of the cornerstones of Italian cuisine, and is just about as common as pasta on Italian tables.

1 lb beef stewing meat
6 cups water
28 ounce can tomatoes, diced, undrained
1 beef bouillon cube
1 medium onion, chopped
2 Tablespoons minced dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 medium zucchini chunked
2 cups finely chopped cabbage
16 ounces garbanzo beans, drained
1 cup uncooked small elbow or shell macaroni
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Combine beef, water, tomatoes, bouillon, onion, parsley, salt, thyme, and pepper. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-9 hours, or until meat is tender. Stir in zucchini, cabbage, beans, and macaroni. Cover and cook on High 30-45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Sprinkle individual servings with Parmesan cheese.