Robin WV said:

I've used this recipe for years (and I'm new to the forum) and it is so easy:

1 lb ground beef – use 70% lean, avoid ground chuck or ground round – you want the fat

1 large pkg frozen mixed soup vegetables – I also add extra fresh peeled potatoes cubed

1 can stewed tomatoes

1 small chopped onion or a 1/2 cup of frozen chopped onion

Italian seasoning

Thyme

Marjoram

Garlic powder

Parsley

Salt/Pepper

Kitchen Bouquet or Gravy Master

Brown crumbled beef, do not drain. Add can of tomatoes and full package of frozen vegs. Add water to cover. Add a “dollop” of Kitchen Bouquet, and sprinkle generously with the other seasonings (I don't measure anything – just dump it in).  Bring to a boil and cut to simmer. I put this on early in the day so the wonderful smell tortures us all day. I also do it in the crock pot and generally put it on the night before – and then we salivate all night – but by dinner it is soooo good. We like it with crusty bread and salad. It's even better the second day and it freezes well. One warning: this soup stays hot for a long time when in the bowl so remind everyone to allow it to cool a bit before attempting to eat it – 3rd degree burns may be the result if they don't!

That's what I need – fast, good tasting, warm and comforting.  Glad to meet you Robin.  Stop by the "Introduce Yourself" topic in the Welcome Forum and let us meet and greet you properly.  We look forward to getting to know you.