2 Demolition Derby Soup

Our friend, Kelli, introduced us to this soup. . . I just changed the name to something that reminds me of their family!

We love going to the "Smash Em Up Derby" or the "Demolition Derby" in Field Store, Texas with the Hutkas. The concept is that people buy an old car and work on it all year just to put it in a rodeo ring and smash it into other people's cars. The last one with a drivable car is the winner! The only other thing as 'backwoods' as this is Okie Noodling which is a whole 'nother story (if you know what Okie Noodling is. . . then I am pretty impressed!) The Field Store Derby benefits families in the community who need financial help and all the proceeds go to a fund for them. . . Pretty neat cause! The Field Store Fire Department volunteers at the Derby since there are numerous fires to put out in the ring! (Best part of the 'show') Because most of the cars are demolished and some have been on fire. . . tractors come out and tow the cars off the ring! Believe me, this is a little boys dream show. . . tractors, fire trucks, cars. . . what more could you want!

Back to the soup. . . This is a pretty cheap recipe that makes a lot of food!

Cook together the following and set aside,
1 pound of ground beef (I use ground deer sausage)
1 chopped onion
1 chopped clove garlic
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
sprinkle with seasoning salt
(I add link deer sausage.)
In a large stock pot, pour following items and bring to a slow boil over medium heat
4 cans minestrone soup
4 can water (use the soup cans)
1 can (large) whole, peeled tomatoes (Big tomato can) 
1 can rotel
1 can ranch style beans
1 cans sliced new potatoes (sometimes I don't use potatoes or just use 1 can)
1 can whole corn
1 can cream style corn
1 can cut green beans
1 carton of okra, cut into 1 inch pieces (optional)
Mix in meat mixture and simmer for 1 hour or longer. (The longer it cooks, the better it tastes) May add additional seasonings if desired. (you can also make this in the slow cooker. . . add all ingredients and cook on low for 8 hours)