Hearty Hamburger Soup

I really love this soup recipe. It is more of a fall soup,thick and hearty, but since my kids have all started school I think I'm ready for hearty soups and pumpkin recipes again even though it's still 90 degrees outside. The Spicy V8 juice is the secret ingredient. I'm sure normal V8 would work, but the spicy V8 just adds more flavor (and it isn't spicy at all). I adapted this recipe from the "Beef Stew" recipe on the Southern Plate blog. I usually have these ingredients on hand (my husband likes V8 juice) so I'm sure I'll make this often.

Hearty Hamburger Soup

2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups diced onions
4 large carrots, sliced
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
29 oz can petite diced tomatoes
2 cans Spicy V8 juice
2 cups water
4 teaspoons beef bouillon granules (or 4 cubes)
5 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups frozen cut green beans
1 can corn, drained
1 teaspoon garlic salt
ground black pepper to taste

Melt butter in a pot. Add onions and saute until soft. Add carrots and cook until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add tomatoes, V8, water, bouillon, potatoes, green beans, corn, garlic salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.