Happy Beef Vegetable Soup

1. Add approximately 2 tablespoons olive oil to large stock pot and turn on medium high heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened a bit.

2. Add beef and brown all sides. Drain excess fat from pot.

3. Add beef/vegetable broth and 2 cups water. Add bay leaves, parsley and all remaining vegetables and stir.

4. Simmer, covered for 40 minutes to 1 hour until vegetables are to your desired texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (Salt depends largely on the stock you’ve used as the sodium content varies greatly between brands.)

5. Serve and enjoy because soup makes people happy!

Serving Suggestions:
Serve with warm crusty bread and a salad. Or, eat a large bowl and enjoy a piece of chocolate cake for dessert.

For fully developed flavors let them mingle overnight and enjoy the next day. Can also be frozen for later meals.