Vegetable Beef Soup

This is one of my favorite soups, especially when I am presssed for time. I keep all the stuff on hand and in a flash have a hearty, healthy dinner ready. Play with this soup if you want...add cabbage, kale, pasta instead of barley. Add a package of taco seasoning and some black beans and you have taco soup! You can also do this in the crock pot.

1 lb lean ground beef (can use ground turkey) browned and drained
6 cups beef broth
2 cans diced tomatoes (14 oz cans)
1 can tomato paste
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic minced
1 tsp italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp each salt and fresh ground pepper
3 potatoes, cubed
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup frozen green beans
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup cooked barley - optional

In a large stock pot combine all ingrediants and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally until veges are tender. Taste and correct seasoning with additional salt & pepper if needed. If using barley add the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove bay leaf. Serve with crusty bread and a salad...YUM!