Mama Mia’s Minestrone Soup

This is a recipe that my mom got from a friend.  My mom made this soup a little bit ago and brought me some.  I snapped a picture before I ate it.  It was so yummy I had to share this recipe.  Plus, if I made it no one in my house would eat it.  The soup has too many veggies for my family.  I absolutely loved it.  This minestrone soup is a little different because it all starts with some bacon, which gives this soup wonderful flavor.  Delish!

Mama Mia’s Minestrone Soup

1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup celery chopped

Saute the onion and celery in bacon grease until tender.

2 cans Italian stewed tomatoes
2 cans beef broth
2 small cans tomato juice
1 can northern white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can green beans, UNDRAINED
3 carrots, cut into chunks
2 cups shredded cabbage (not the pre-cut coleslaw mix, it’s too stringy when cooked)
2 cups of water
1/2 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp basil
1/4 tsp oregano

Bring the above ingredients to a boil, then reduce to simmer.  Simmer until vegetables are tender.  Then add:

1 cup of macaroni (rotini or shells work well)
Cook until macaroni is tender.  Top each bowl with Parmesan cheese to serve.