[mjkidd]

Simmer just the beef just in some water/canned beef broth for a bit more than an hour. Brown the beef as planned, then combine onions, garlic and broth. Bring to boil, let simmer for an hour or an hour and a half. Then I'd add the veggies. If you add them with the beef, the meat will be too tough, or the veggies too soft. I'd probably pick out about half the veggies and puree them when the soups done, then add it back.