Italian Bean Soup -- Fast , Easy and Frugal

Italian Bean Soup -- Fast , Easy and Frugal Italian Bean Soup 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef 1 onion, diced 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1 carrot, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 3 cups beef broth or chicken broth 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices) 15 ounces canned cannellini beans (or white kidney beans), drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons tomato paste Directions Brown the sausage and onion in a large pot until no pink remains. Drain any fat. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the carrot is tender and flavors have blended. Garnish with parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.