Hearty Beef Soup

This is my version of a soup that my mom used to make when I was growing up. It is fast and easy and you can add or subtract whatever ingredients your family likes. This recipe feeds about 5 people. Double the ingredients if you want to feed a crowd. Serve with some crusty bread and you have a comfort food dinner that is good for you.

Ingredients:
1/2-1 lb. ground beef
1 half onion, diced
3-4 carrots, cut into chunks
2 ribs celery, diced
2-3 potatoes, cut into chunks
1/2 cup frozen peas (if desired)
2 cans beef broth
1 can condensed tomato soup or gluten free substitute (see below)
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 t. dried thyme
1 tablespoon parsley
black pepper to taste
Garlic and Onion powder to taste
Noodles, barley or brown rice if desired.

Brown hamburger with garlic and onion until beef is no longer pink and onion is soft. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover and simmer for about two hours. You could also make this soup in the crock pot. Cook on low heat for 4 hours or until vegetables are tender.

Gluten Free condensed tomato soup:
8 oz. tomato soup
2 T. sugar
1 T. cornstarch
1/2 t. salt
Mix together and use as the recipe directs in place of one can of condensed tomato soup.