Grandmother's Vegetable Beef (or Turkey) Soup

My fondest childhood memory is of snapping peas, green beans, and shucking corn on my Grandmother's back steps. Once a bowl was filled, we carried it to the kitchen where Grandmother would wash, blanch and fill her freezer bags by the dozen. We worked through the fading twilight, until the sun set in pink brilliance behind a line of great green pines. Near the end of the season, when she had put away enough bags of each vegetable to get her through the winter she would make her Vegetable Beef Soup. She would fill up her small stove with massive pots and have boxes of freezer bags ready to store the following recipe many times over, no single recipe reminds me of my Grandmother more...

Utensils you will need:

 5qt or larger saucepan with lid  

Ladle

Time: (If veggies are tender) about 30 - 45 minutes

Ingredients:

 1-lb Lean Ground Beef (or Turkey)

1- Medium Yellow Onion, Diced

10-12 cups Mixed Vegetables (3-4 cans~ 14.5oz)

14.5 oz can of tomato sauce

10 oz can of tomato paste

4 cloves fresh garlic, diced (don't be fooled! There's nothing like fresh!)

3 - 4 tablespoons of butter

A few cups of water
Seasonings: Sea Salt, Ground Pepper, Thyme, Basil, and Parsley

Steps:

**Note: If using fresh veggies clean and boil them until tender. Drain and set aside.**
1. Brown Ground Beef (or Turkey)
2. Add Onions and saute over medium-low heat until transparent. Drain off fat if necessary.
3. Add Tomato Sauce. Stir until meat and onions are well coated. Bring to a slow boil.
4. Add Garlic and tomato paste. Add just enough water to create an even smooth consistency.
5. Stir in butter until completely melted.
6. Add veggies one cup (or can) at a time to avoid a spill.
7. Stir in seasonings, measured to preference, usually about a tablespoon each. Cover and bring to a slow boil until hot and steamy.

Servings: 6 - 8 (if not more)

You'll never eat the proessed stuff again ;) If freezing allow the soup to cool to at least room temperature before ladling into freezer safe bags.This recipe can be doubled, tripled or halved depending on need. It's also completely okay to add extra ingredients in (like noodles).