Hearty Beef Soup

One of my family's favorite soups.

• Ready In: 1 hr 40 mins
• Serves: 16
• Yields: 4 quarts

Ingredients

• 2  lbs boneless beef top sirloin steaks, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2  cups onions, chopped
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 2  quarts hot water
• 2  cups carrots, sliced
• 2  cups  peeled potatoes, cubed
• 1  cup cabbage, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup celery, chopped
• 1  medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 4  teaspoons beef bouillon granules
• 1⁄2 tablespoon seasoning salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2  bay leaves
• 3  cups tomato juice

Directions

1. In a Dutch oven or large soup kettle, brown beef and onions in butter; drain.
2. Add the water, vegetables and seasonings; bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add tomato juice; cover and simmer 10 minutes longer or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
5. Discard bay leaves.