1 lb. ground beef
1/2 c. butter
1 c. flour
1/2 gallon water (8 c.)
Fresh ground pepper (no salt)
1 lg. carrot, diced
1 med. onion, diced
1 pkg. frozen mixed vegetables
2 sticks celery, diced
1/2 (#303) can tomatoes (16 or 17 oz.)
4 tbsp. beef base granules

Make a roux. Melt butter, stir in flour and gradually add 2 cups of the water. Stir until smooth. Add all other ingredients, except ground beef. In another pan, saute ground beef in 2 tablespoons butter until browned. Drain off grease. Add meat to first mixture and simmer, stirring occasionally, for at least 1 1/2 hours, making sure vegetables are tender. Makes 1 gallon soup. This can be frozen.