Hodge Podge Soup

This is soul food and comfort food all rolled into one. We were raised on this soup. I know my children are genetically linked to me because they swoon when I make it. It's best served with homemade wheat bread for dipping. Whenever I eat it I feel transformed to my parents' kitchen sitting at the table with a red checked vinyl tablecloth. Marianne was on my left to conspire with and Tabor was on my right side, making me laugh.



1 1/2 lb ground beef
3/4 c chopped onion
1/2 c chopped celery
1 T Worcestershire sauce
1/2 t dried oregano
3 cans minestrone soup
32 oz pork and beans
clove garlic

Cook ground beef, onion, garlic until brown. Stir in soup, beans, three cans water, spices, etc—simmer covered approximately 15-20 minutes.