Minestrone Soup

INGREDIENTS:
2 Pounds FFF Beef Stew Meat or Cubed Bacon Ends
1 Medium Onion, chopped
4 Medium Carrots, sliced
4 Celery Stalks, chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
1 Can Kidney Beans
1 Can Black or Pinto Beans
2 Cans Diced Tomatoes
4 Cups Broth
2 Cups Water
Italian Seasoning
Salt
Pepper
1 Box of Pasta or 2 Cups of Rice

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Defrost the meat and chop/dice the vegetables.
2. In a large pot, add a little olive oil and sear off the meat on all sides.
3. Remove the meat from the pot and add in the Onions, Carrots and Celery. Let it cook down until slightly translucent and soft, then add the garlic and tomato paste. Once fragrant, add in the drained cans of beans, as well as your seasonings and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes.
4. Next add your cans of diced tomatoes, (water from the cans included), broth and water, and then add back the meat.
5. Stir to incorporate everything together, and then let it simmer for at least an hour.
6. About 15 minutes before you are ready to eat, add in the pasta or rice and continue to let it simmer until everything is fully cooked.
7. Remove the pot from the heat, serve hot and Enjoy!