Bean and Bacon Soup

INGREDIENTS

10 oz

smoked bacon ((about 9 - 10 slices), diced in small pieces)

1 1/2 cups

chopped yellow onions ((1 medium))

1 1/2 cups

chopped carrots ((about 3 large))

1 1/2 cups

chopped celery ((about 3 stalks))

3 cloves

garlic (, minced (1 Tbsp))

5 1/2 cups

low-sodium chicken broth

2 1/2 tbsp

tomato paste

1 1/2 tsp

sugar

2 tsp

chopped fresh thyme ((optional))

3 15 ounce cans

navy beans, drained and rinsed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 1/4 cups

shredded mozzarella or string cheese

Chopped fresh parsley (, for serving (optional))