1 1/2 tbsp. butter
1 med. onion, chopped coarsely
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 (1 lb. 12 oz.) can tomatoes
3 cans consomme
2 cans water
4 med. carrots, quartered
4 celery tops
6 sprigs parsley
1/2 tsp. thyme
10 peppercorns
Salt and pepper (if no peppercorns)
1 add leftover vegetables that I need to use up (zucchini is good)

Melt butter in large heavy kettle. Saute onion and cook until limp. Add ground beef and stir until it loses the raw look. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and cook over low heat for 45 minutes or if using a crockpot cook 6 to 8 hours. If using leftover vegetable or zucchini add and cook longer depending on your crockpot. Serves 6 generously.