✅ Ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or stew beef, cut small)

1 tbsp olive oil (only if using lean beef)

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 medium carrots, sliced

2 ribs celery, sliced

2 medium potatoes, diced

1 (14.5 oz / 400 g) can diced tomatoes

1 (6 oz / 170 g) can tomato paste

6 cups (1.5 L) beef broth (low sodium preferred)

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1 bay leaf

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, green beans, etc.)

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon for brightness

🔪 Instructions:
Brown the beef:

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

(If using stew beef, sear chunks until browned on all sides, then remove and continue.)

Sauté aromatics: