Pork And Bean Minestrone Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups beef broth, canned
1/2 cup cooked ham, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1/4 cup celery, diced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon oregano (optional)
1/2 cup elbow macaroni, raw
1 (14 ounce) can pork and beans in tomato sauce

Preparation

Combine beef broth, cooked ham or other cooked meat, onion, carrot, celery, thyme and oregano in a large saucepan.
Bring to a boil.
Stir in raw macaroni.
Reduce heat to a simmer.
Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender.
Add pork and beans and heat thoroughly.
Add additional liquid if necessary. (I use the water drained from boiling potatoes for making soups, gravies, sauces or use canned broth).