Northwest Beef And Vegetable Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb stewing beef, fat removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
3 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
15 ounces white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 butternut squash, peeled and diced
1 large potato, peeled and diced
2 celery ribs, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 cups water

Preparation

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
Sear the beef on all sides, turning as it browns.
Add the onion and garlic during the last few minutes of searing.
Transfer to the crock pot.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Gently stir well to combine.
Cover and cook on high for 2 hours.
Turn down to low and cook for 4 to 6 hours longer.
Stir occasionally and adjust seasonings to taste.