Minestrone soup or "Junk Soup"

Minestrone Soup or "Junk Soup" 

This minestrone soup is one my mom made for me growing up, and she got it from her mom.  As a kid we always called it "junk soup" because there were so many things in it.  It is a thick Italian type soup perfect for a cold night, which we are still having a lot of here.  My mom would serve this with garlic bread, and it was a total comfort food.  Enjoy!

Minestrone Soup or "Junk Soup"

In a large cooking pot combine the following:

1 lb ground sausage, or turkey sausage, or hamburger, browned and drained

4 cups water

2-3 stalk celery, chopped

1 onion, chopped fine

2-3 large carrots, chopped

2 (8oz) cans tomato sauce

1 can beef broth or 13 oz water and 3 beef bouillon cubes

2 cloves garlic, chopped or 1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp basil

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp salt

1 Tab sugar

Simmer for 1 1/2 hours, then add:

2 cups eggs noodles, uncooked, (or noodles of choice)

1/2 can corn, drained (optional--I didn't use it in this one)

1/2 can garbanzo beans, drained (optional--I don't use those either)

2 cups more water

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook another 20-30 minutes until noodles are done and it is all heated through.  Serve with Parmesan cheese on top and garlic bread on the side.  So yummy!