pasta e fagioli- Olive Gardens

This was the first time I made this soup and it turned out very good, evens tastes just like you would have it at the Olive Garden.

1lb. ground beef
1 c. diced onion
1 c. diced carrot
1 c. diced celery
1 T. olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 (14oz) cans diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, undrained
1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, undrained
1 ( 15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (46 oz) can V-8 juice
1 T. white vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. thyme
4-6 oz. ditalini pasta ( save for later)

brown beef over medium heat and drain off fat. Then combine all ingredients ( expect pasta ) in large crock pot and cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8-10 hours. Before serving, cook ditalini according to directions on package ( do not overcook), then drain, add to soup, and serve. Serves 10-12.