"Forgotten" Beef Minestrone

1 lb Lean beef stew meat
6 c Water
1 can (28 oz.) tomatoes with liquid, cut up
1 ea Beef bouillon cube
1 med Onion, chopped
2 tb Minced dried parsley
2 ½ ts Salt, optional
1 ½ ts Ground thyme
½ ts Pepper
1 med Zucchini, thinly sliced
1 can (16 oz.) garbanzo beans, drained
1 c Uncooked small elbow or shell macaroni


In a slow cooker, combine beef, water, tomatoes, bouillon, onion, parsley, salt if desired, thyme and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours or until meat is tender. Add zucchini, beans and macaroni; cook on high, covered, 30-45 minutes more, or until the vegetables are tender.