Minestrone

1 med onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, sliced thin
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 med zucchini, sliced into rounds
2 cloves garlic minced
2 14.5 oz. cans beef broth
1 28 oz. cans crushed tomatoes
2 15.5 oz. cans kidney beans, drained
2 t. dried marjoram
2 t. oregano, dried
2 t. basil, dried
¼ t. ground black pepper
1½ c. cooked rice, optional

Add all ingredients except rice or macaroni in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. Add cooked rice and stir to combine. If using pasta add uncooked during the last half hour of cooking time.