Hearty Italian Beef, Bean, and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 very large yellow onion (2 cups diced small)
• 2 lbs carrots (8 cups peeled and sliced thin)
• 1 bunch celery (4-5 cups sliced thin)
• 3 29 ounce cans petite diced tomatoes
• 1 29 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 29 ounce can tomato sauce
• 3 cups cooked or (2 14 ounce cans light red kidney beans)
• 3 cups cooked or (2 14 ounce cans great northern or cannellini beans)
• 4 cups hot water mixed with 2 tablespoons beef base (I use Better Than Bouillon)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons freshly cracked kosher salt
• 29 ounce bag frozen green beans
• 29 ounce bag frozen corn
• Optional: finely grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   In the bottom of an enormous stock pot, over medium high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef with the onions. Season with 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. When the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease. There is very rarely any substantial grease in this mixture when I cook it, but depending on the meat you are buying, you might need/want to drain it. Add all remaining ingredients, except for the frozen vegetables.

2. 2

   Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to about medium/low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the carrots are slightly softened. After 20 minutes, add the green beans and corn and bring back to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for just a few minutes until the green beans and corn are tender.

3. 3

   Serve warm, topped with cheese if desired. Enjoy!

4. 4

   FREEZER MEAL: If you are interested in making this to keep in the freezer, be

5. 5

   careful to slightly under-cook the vegetables, as it makes the soup much

6. 6

   nicer when it is reheated. Mushy vegetables are never fun! Let the soup cool completely before transferring to freezer

7. 7

   safe containers. Soup can be heated in the microwave or it can be thawed first

8. 8

   and then reheated on the stove-top.