Quick Beef Soup

1½ lbs. ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic, finely chopped
1 28oz. can tomatoes, undrained
6 cups water
6 beef bouillon cubes
¼ tsp. white pepper
½ cup uncooked orzo
1½ cups frozen peas, carrots, and corn vegetable blend
French bread, optional

Cook beef, onion and garlic in large saucepan over medium-high heat until beef
is brown, stirring to separate meat; drain fat.

Puree tomatoes with juice in covered blender or food processor Add pureed
tomatoes, water, bouillon cubes and pepper to meat mixture. Bring to a
boil; reduce heat to bowl. Simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes. Add orzo and
vegetables. Simmer 15 minutes more.

Serve with French bread.

Makes 6 servings