1 lb. any cut of beef, cut into cubes
1 soup bone (if available)

Cook meat with:

3 qts. water
1 tbsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf

Cook for at least 1 hour. Remove bay leaf. Then add:

1 diced onion
2 cut carrots
3 cut celery
1 c. cut green beans
2 cut potatoes
4 tbsp. green pepper
2 c. tomatoes or tomato juice

Cook and simmer until serving time. Any combination of vegetables, barley, rice or pasta may be used.