Recipe: Weeknight Creamy Bean and Sausage Soup (microwave and stovetop)

WEEKNIGHT CREAMY BEAN AND SAUSAGE SOUP

1 small onion, cut into thin rings
1 stalk celery, thin sliced
1 cup thin-sliced carrots
1 cup water
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground sausage
1 (15 oz.) can great northern beans
1 1/2 cups water
1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of celery soup
1 (9 oz.) pkg. frozen green beans, defrosted
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. basil
1 bay leaf
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. each: paprika, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, ginger, marjoram, and rosemary (to taste)

Place cut up onion, celery and carrots and the 1 cup water into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until tender.

In a large, heavy saucepan, brown the beef and sausage; drain.

Add the softened vegetable mixture and the remaining ingredients. Cook over medium heat until green beans are tender and flavors have blended.