Old Country Minestrone

1 lb. stew beef
1 1/2 c. cubed ham, bone & section or rind
1/4 c. bacon, fried & crumbled
2 cloves garlic
2t. salt
2 med. onions, chopped
2/3 c. dry small white beans
2/3 c. dry red kidney beans
1 can tomato sauce
1 can stewed tomatoes
2 1/2 qts. cold water
4 carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery,and tops, sliced
2 med. potatoes, cubed
3/4 c. elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
1 zucchini (opt)
1/2 pkg. frozen green beans (opt)
1 c. raw spinach (opt)
1 head cabbage (opt)
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

All ingredients must be cubed or sliced in small pieces. Place hame bone, ham, beef, bacon, garlic, salt, onions, pepper, green pepper, white and kidney beans, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce & water in large pot ; cook med heat 2 1/2 hours (till beans are cooked). sim off excess fat, then add carrots, celery & potatoes. Cook abt. 25 minutes. Discard bones, rind & garlic). Add vegetables & macaroni. Cook till veggies are done. Turn off heat & add cheese. Let melt. Stir, add salt if necessary.

(veggies may be added or omitted according to taste)

Number of Servings: 12

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user NANA2LEX.