Hamburger Soup

This is my mom's recipe and I love it now, 50 years after having moved out on my own, as much I did as a kid sitting at my parent's table, slurping up every last trace of it from my bowl. It's hearty and savory and I'm getting a hankering for it just writing this post.

Ingredients:
3 tbsp. bacon drippings
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, coarsely chopped
1 16-ounce can diced tomatoes
4 cups of beef bone stock
1 cup sliced carrots
3 cups chopped cabbage
2 bay leaves
1 cup chopped celery, with leaves
6 sprigs fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
2 tsp. real salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
2 tbsp. salsa
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tsp. of chili powder
1 tsp. of Creole or spice seasoning (or more if desired)
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 16-ounce can of Great Northern beans, undrained

Directions:
1. Saute beef and onion in bacon drippings in a small stockpot. 
2. Add canned tomatoes and beef stock and bring to a simmer.
3. Add remaining ingredients, except beans. Bring back to a simmer. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
4. Add beans and heat through.
5. Serve with garnishes if desired: sour cream, chopped green onions, canned French-fired onions, grated cheese, etc.

I hope you enjoy Hamburger Soup as much as I have for the past 69 years!