A bowl of soup for a chilly day...

I found this soup in Taste of Home Heartwarming Soups cookbook. It is very easy and tastes good! I use a little more ground beef and serve it with cornbread.



1 package (12 ounces) mixed dried
beans
8 cups water
1/2 pound ground beef, cooked and
drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes,
undrained
1 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
Pepper to taste

Place beans in a large saucepan or Dutch oven;
add enough water to cover by 2 in.
Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour.

Drain and discard liquid. Add water to the
beans; bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for
30 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; bring
to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for
1 -1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are tender.
Discard bay leaves.

Yield: 10 servings