My grandma Bentley had 8 children and not the hugest budget, this was one of her dishes that she made. My mom loved it and made it often for our family as well, just because it was so yummy. And now I make it too... though it's never quite as good as my mom's... still very yummy though. The thing I love about it is how simple it is, nothing fancy involved!
1 lb hamburger
1 onion (or onion salt)
carrots
celery
potatoes (3 to 5)
1 can of tomato paste
salt
water
In a large pot brown the hamburger, brown until it almost looks burnt, very very well done! Salt hamburger generously. Chop up veggies. Add to pot along with tomato paste. My family doesn't care for onions and so I use onion salt, instead of just salt. Another option that I've tried is to add the onion in whole, don't cut it up at all and then once the stew is done just take the whole onion out! The onion flavor makes a huge difference in the soup, so you need to add it some way! Add water until everything is just covered. Again salt generously. (Mom always said that a lot of salt was needed for this recipe... but of course she never said how much, just don't hold back!) Bring to a boil and them simmer, covered for 1 hour.
