Vegetable Beef Soup

Ingredients:
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • 2 lbs. stew meat, cut up
  • 2 quarts hot water
  • 3 Tbsp. Better Than Bouillon beef base
  • 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
  • 4 large potatoes, cubed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • (optional) seasonings such as oregano, basil, thyme to taste)
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) carrots
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) peas
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) corn

Directions:

     Heat a large soup pot with the olive oil and garlic. Add the stew meat and cook until brown.  Add the hot water, beef base, and tomato paste.  Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

     Add the cubed potatoes and cook until a fork pierces easily, but be careful not to overcook.  Add the bay leaves, choice of seasonings, and vegetables.  Simmer for 30 minutes.  Remove the bay leaves and serve.