1Heat tomatoes in boiling water for about 1-2 min. Once cooled remove skin and puree in food processor with 1 tsp of lemon juice, set aside.
Finely dice carrots, celery, onions and garlic in a food processor. I diced the carrots and onions separately each, and diced the celery and garlic together.
Cut bacon into pieces then grind in food processor.
Add about 2 tbsp. of olive oil to large soup pot over med. heat and add carrots, celery, onion, garlic and bacon. Cook for about 10 min. then add beef and pork. Cook until nicely browned, breaking apart as you cook. HELPFUL TIP: I use a potato mashed the break apart the beef and pork as it cooks.
Once meats are nicely browned, pour into colander and let sit for about 5 min to remove any excess fat.
Meanwhile, pour beef broth into pot, add tomato paste and mix together. Add tomato puree, Italian seasoning and basil. Stir together.
Return meat mixture back to pot and simmer on low for about 30 min.
