Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

HEARTY VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
3/4 lb. boneless beef sirloin steak or beef top round steak, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 cups 100% vegetable juice
1 3/4 cups beef broth
1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves, crushed
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 med. potato, cut into cubes (about 1 cup)
1 med. carrot, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 med. onion, coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 stalk celery, thickly sliced (about 1/2 cup)

Heat the oil in a 4 quart saucepot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until it is well browned, stirring often. Pour off any fat. Stir the vegetable juice, broth, thyme, pepper, potato, carrot, onion, and celery in the saucepot and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Makes 4 servings.