Kat's Ham & Bean Soup

SOURCE: I based this on another recipe I was told about but tweaked it to make it my own.
Servings: LOTS
Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes but it can simmer for hours
Scott's Rating:
Katherine's Rating: 10 out of 10

Ingredients:

• 3 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 ham steak, chopped
• 2 cups sliced Conecuh sausage
• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 6 cans navy beans, drained
• 32 oz. chicken broth
• 1 cup instant mashed potatoes
• 1 huge heaping teaspoon butter

Directions:

• Saute bacon, ham, sausage, onion, and garlic in a large pot.
• Add beans and chicken broth to the pot and cook for at least 30 minutes.
• Add the mashed potatoes (add more if you want it thicker) and add the butter.
  
• Cook until sauce has thickened.

Tips:

• The soup is great just by itself but I have also served it over rice which is yummy!
• Make some fresh made corn bread or beer bread to go with it... Wow is all I can say.