So “Epic” might be overselling it you say – but here is a totally true conversation we had in our house the day after it was served for dinner…..

“Hey Bubby, sorry, but I think we will not be able to go to Legoland today like we told you yesterday, we’ll go on a sunny day, that will be easier for the baby.  It is just to rainy.” – me

“Ah Peanuts!” – Bubby *pause* “Hey!!!” (seriously that much excitement) “Since we can’t go to Legoland can we have the soup from dinner last night for our lunch today?!” *eyebrows raised in anticipation*

“Sure!” – me

“YAY! I WUV that soup!” – bubby

I don’t know what to tell you – but leftover soup generally doesn’t squash the disappointment of a last minute cancellation of a Legoland trip, right??

So here you go peeps – this does not sounds as yummy as it is – I thought it would be ok at best, I just made it because it sounded easy and healthy, but it was pretty yummy too!

First off – get your slow cooker out – yep – you just dump everything in a pot and let it do the work!

*10 bean soup mix dry (or 12 bean – or whatever you’ve got) – I bought mine at Sprouts out of the bulk bin for about $1.25 a pound – I used ‘about’ a pound.  Presoak beans overnight. Drain in the morning.

*Chicken sausage – I had some in the freezer I had purchased as a soon expiring ‘manager special’ – just sausage links – about a pound. Less than $2

* 16 oz chicken broth – about $2

* 12 oz tomato sauce – $1 (I often buy this at Sprouts or the 99 cents store)

*12 oz can diced tomatoes w/ green chilis $1 (on sale – I think at most it is $2)

* dice three stalks of celery – 25 cents (maybe)

*dice two large carrots – 25 cents (maybe)

* sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper (ask my kids how much – I just let them go to town) – considering it was just a few dashes and most of my spices are from the 99 cents store – lets just call these free!

Put everything in the crock pot – cook on low for 6 hours.

So. Good.

The total cost of this yumminess was about $7 – it fed our family of 4 (yes – there are 5 of us but the bitty one doesn’t eat big people food yet) for dinner – just about everyone had seconds.  We also all had it for lunch the next day.  We also froze enough for dinner for four and for Mr. Deals and Steals to bring to work for lunch. Anybody want to break that down?  Everyone said they want me to make it again – this recipe is gonna save us some big bucks during chilly months! I plan on making it a couple times a month and cutting our grocery bill a bit in the process.

So, I hope your family is as enthusiastic as mine was!

Enjoy ~ Kate