Tuscan Beef and Spinach Soup

This soup is so hearty and lovely on a chilly evening.  It is wonderful topped with a thick layer of parmesan cheese and some crusty bread.

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb. ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

6 cups beef stock

1 (28oz.) can diced or crushed tomatoes in Italian seasoning, your preference

1 (10oz.) package frozen spinach, thawed

1 tsp. basil

salt and pepper to taste

1 (16oz.) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed

1 1/2 cup small pasta (macaroni, penne...whatever you like)

Heat olive oil, ground beef, onion, and garlic in a 5 quart pot over medium heat.  Add tomatoes with juice, spinach, basil, salt, pepper, and beef broth.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer 30 minutes.  Cook pasta until just tender, drain well.  Add beans and pasta to soup.  Simmer 5 minutes.  Pass a bowl of parmesan cheese for topping.