Reply #98: The recipe?

[pinboy3niner]

I just wing it. I saute chopped veggies (definitely carrots, onions, celery plus whatever else you want to add) in bacon grease. Then add beef stock, chopped tomatoes (canned with added puree is fine) and 2-3 Tbsp or so tomato paste. I pre-cook and drain ground beef, then add it at the end. Serve with French, sourdough or any good bread. A little cayenne for subtle warmth is a nice addition.

Mom used to cook the raw hamburger meat in the soup, but I prefer to do it separately and get rid of the grease. The bacon grease adds a nice richness to the broth. :)