HEARTY VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP

On these cold days, a nice, hearty bowl of homemade VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP is sure to hit the spot!  I especially love soup through the fall and winter months, and this recipe for my homemade beef vegetable soup is a good choice for a healthy, filling meal.  Paired with some crusty bread, or cheese and crackers and some fruit, it makes a great meal that my family enjoys.  It makes a huge pot, and I think it's even better the 2nd day.  I use a rump roast as the beef; I think it tastes the best, although you can substitute your favorite cut if you prefer.

MY HEARTY VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP

1 large rump roast, about 3-4 pounds, with au jus

3-4 ribs celery

2 onions, diced

3 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1" slices on the diagonal

2 cans stewed tomatoes

4 beef bouillon cubes

4 Cups water

1 can corn, undrained

2 cans whole baby potatoes,undrained, halved

2 cans green beans, undrained

1 can green peas, undrained, OR 1/2 bag frozen peas

Season rump roast with salt and pepper, and cook in crock pot, adding 3 Cups water, on low, for 8 hours, or until fork tender.  When done, cut meat into nice big chunks and set aside. Drain all drippings from crock pot into large stock pan.  Add 4 Cups water, and 4 bouillon cubes, and 2 cans stewed tomatoes, cutting any big tomatoes up.  Peel carrots, cutting them on a diagonal into nice, big slices.  Dice 2 large onions, 3-4 ribs celery and add to the dripping/bouillon liquid.  Cook, over medium heat,  until barely done.  Add cans of undrained corn, beans, and potatoes, halved (or you can use 3 of your own pared, chunked potatoes, cooked with the celery, onion and celery above).  Add canned peas or 1/2 bag frozen peas. Heat through.  Add rump roast pieces, and heat through.  (Don't bring this to a boil, just heat on medium-low heat).  NOTE:  If you need more liquid, you can always add more bouillon cubes, 1 beef bouillon cube per 1 Cup water.  You may also add 1 can drained kidney beans, or other favorite veggies if desired. 

I think you'll enjoy this recipe--we sure do--it's yummy!