Hearty Three Bean Soup/Stew

Submitted by Pierre Dance

"This one has been with me for so long I don't remember when it wasn't 'in my book'."

 

• Ready In: 5hrs 45mins
• Ingredients: 22
• Serves: 10

ingredients

• 2 (28 ounce) cans roma tomatoes, crushed
• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, well rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, well rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, well rinsed
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1⁄8 lb saltine crackers
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 cup powdered milk
• 1 cup half-and-half (half milk & half cream)
• 2 eggs
• 1 1⁄2 lbs ground chuck
• 1 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (again)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano, crumbled
• 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• chicken stock

directions

1. Place the tomatoes, beans, and Worcestershire sauce in crock pot set on high.
2. Place crackers, salt, black pepper, and powdered milk in a blender, grind to fine crumbs.
3. In a 6-quart bowl beat the eggs with the half-and-half.
4. Add the crumbs and mix well.
5. Add the meat and mix well.
6. Heat oil in a large pan.
7. Brown and crumble meat, Drain on paper towel.
8. Wipe pan with paper towel.
9. Return to heat and add oil.
10. Sauté onions and bell peppers 5 minutes.
11. Add garlic and sauté 6-8 minutes until onions are translucent.
12. Place meat, vegetables, and seasoning in pot; mix well.
13. Add enough stock to cover ingredients.
14. Cover, reduce heat to low.
15. Cook 5 hours.
16. Top each bowl with grated cheddar and a bit of fresh grated Parmesan and broil to a 'golden brown' or maybe over rice or pasta, With cheese or without?.
17. Oh Yah--garlic bread! Don't forget the garlic bread!