Beef Stew

When it comes to comfort foods, few are as comforting as a bowl of delicious and warm soup. Another upside to soup, as if it needed one, is that they can be incredibly healthy. The hearty soup below is as healthy as it is delicious. It is also a snap to prepare.

Herb-ilicious Vegetable Beef Soup

Beef Stew

1 pound lean ground beef

1 - 1/2 cups chopped onion

4 cups hot water

1 - 1/2 cups diced potatoes (white, red, or even sweet potatoes are all wonderful - I prefer a combination of white and sweet)

3/4 cups diced celery

3/4 cups sliced carrots

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 bay leaf (crumbled finely)

1/4 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp chopped chives

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp dried thyme

1 jalapeno pepper - seeded and chopped (optional but recommended)

Brown the ground beef in a skillet with the onion. Brown over medium high heat so that the meat doesn't get overly dark. Drain off the fat.Add the herbs and seasonings. Stir the meat and onions until all the wonderful flavors are introduced.

In a large sauce pan, combine the water, celery, potatoes (white, red, or sweet), jalapeno peppers, and carrots. Add the meat mixutre, which by now will smell absolutely amazing! Stir everything together and simmer, coverd for for about 30 minutes. If the vegetables aren't tender after 30 minutes, simmer a little longer. Be sure you always have enough liquid.

Naturally, I recommend a couple of taste tests along the way. If you think a little more garlic, pepper, salt, thyme, or chives are called for - no one is standing in your way! That's the beauty of soups like this, you are able to adjust it to your own personal preferences.

This recipe makes about 8 servings and is delicious when served with fried cornbread or buttermilk biscuits. Try it, you'll love it.

Herb-ilicious Vegetable Beef Soup

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