Meat Balls Cassoulet

Description
Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

 * 1 1/4 cups (8 ounces) dry small white beans
 * 7 cups water, divided
 * 2 teaspoons salt, divided
 * 1/2 pound lean ground beef
 * 1/2 pound spicy pork sausage meat
 * 1/2 cup chopped onion
 * 1/2 cup chopped celery
 * 1 clove garlic, minced
 * 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
 * 1/2 teaspoon basil leaves
 * 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves
 * 1/2 teaspoon paprika
 * 1 14-1/2- to 16-ounce can tomatoes, cut up
 * 1 medium carrot, sliced
 * 3 cups hot cooked rice

Directions
Rinse beans. Soak overnight in 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt.* Drain; set aside.

Combine beef and sausage. Form into 36 1-inch meat balls. Brown in large skillet; drain.

Combine beans, meat balls, onion, celery, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, paprika, remaining 3 cups water and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Stir in tomatoes and carrot. Simmer 10 minutes longer. Ladle into soup bowls. Top each with mound of fluffy rice.