Heat 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Stir the pepper flakes into the oil and add the bread cubes. Cook the bread cubes until lightly brown. Remove bread cubes to paper towels, reserving the oil in the …
Place the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook until evenly brown. Remove from skillet, and crumble into a large pot. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, and tomatoes with their liquid. Stir in parsley, basil, and chicken broth.
In a heavy skillet, cook ground beef and pork sausage with the onion, garlic and green pepper until the meat is cooked through., about 15 minutes. Drain and transfer the mixture to a stockpot.
Preheat a large slow cooker by turning it to the High setting and covering with the lid. Place the cut-up potatoes in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave on High for about 8 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked and steaming hot. While the potatoes are cooking,
Sort and rinse the beans before placing them in a large pot with the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook 5 minutes. Turn off heat, cover, and let stand 1 1/2 hours. Drain. Place the beans, chicken broth, garlic, sage leaves, bay leaves, and …
