Grandma's Alphabet Soup

While growing up, one of my favorite lunchtime meals was my grandmother's famous vegetable soup. The soup is fun to eat, simple to prepare and a great way to use up leftovers. It keeps well for several days in the refrigerator, but may also be frozen for later use.

Directions:

In a large 4-quart pot add:
Left-over roast beef or ground beef
Cut the roast beef into small pieces and remove all excess fat or gristle. If using ground beef, brown it first -
stirring to keep loose - and pour off most of the fat.
1 medium onion, chopped.
½ green pepper, chopped and lightly sautéed.
2 or 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
Leftover meat broth, thin gravy, or water to make 2 ½-quarts.

Bring the soup to a rolling boil; turn to low heat, and cover.

While simmering, add:
1-cup carrots, chopped
1-cup green beans (canned or frozen)
½-cup lima beans
½-cup corn

Cook until tender.

To season, add:
1 to 2-teaspoons salt, to taste
½-teaspoon black pepper or cayenne pepper
1 -teaspoon paprika

For fun, add:
¼-cup alphabet pasta

10 minutes prior to serving add:
½-cup chopped cabbage
2-cups tomato juice

Add any additional seasoning to taste. Serve and enjoy!