Quick ‘n Easy Hearty Soup

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 pound lean ground beef
• Large can diced tomatoes
• 2 boxes beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 package frozen mixed vegetables
• 4 medium carrots, peeled & quartered
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 celery tops
• 6 sprigs parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 10 peppercorns
• 2 teaspoon salt

Sauté onion in butter until golden but not brown. Add beef & cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add remaining ingredients except for frozen vegetables. Heat to boiling. Cover pan & simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Add frozen vegetables & cook about 15 minutes, until frozen vegetables are just tender. Serve with salad & corn bread. Even great with grilled cheese.