Slow Cooker Spicy Sausage Soup

Hidie Ho, Everyone! This is recipe #2 for the day!

I've been making my Spicy Sausage Soup for quite a few years.  It's always a hit!  If you don't like spicy, you could substitute sweet italian sausage for the spicy italian sausage and also leave out the red pepper.  I often make this with the spicy sausage, but leave out the pepper anyway.  My kids don't like it too spicy.

Slow Cooker Spicy Sausage Soup - printable version

1 beaten egg
2 Tbl. milk
3/4 cup soft bread crumbs (about 1 slice)
1 pound hot italian sausage (removed from casings, if in them)
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans
1 () can diced tomatoes
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)
6 cups chicken broth
1/2 pkg. wide egg noodles

Yield - 8 servings

1. To make meatballs: In a large bowl combine egg, milk, bread crumbs, and sausage. Mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls. Cook meatballs over medium heat in a skillet until brown on all sides. Drain. 
2. In a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker, place beans, tomatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, and spices. Add meatballs and pour broth over all. 
3. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 10-11 hours or on high heat setting for 5-6 hours. 
4. Add noodles to last half hour of cooking.

Thanks for playing!
Jan