Good Budget Meals for a Bad Economy: Day 4

BEEFY ALPHABET SOUP
Makes 12 servings

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
5 cups beef broth
3 cups tomato juice
1 16-oz. bag frozen mixed vegetables
6 cups water
1 6-oz. box alphabet pasta

Instructions
Warm oil in pan over medium heat; add beef and brown until cooked through. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
In a large stock pot, combine beef broth, tomato juice, frozen vegetables, ground beef and water. Bring to a boil.
Add alphabet pasta and return to a boil; reduce to a simmer.
Cook for 7-10 minutes until pasta is cooked through. Remove from heat. Serve with a side of cornbread.

Supermarket tally:
Ground beef $3.66
Beef broth $1.99
Tomato juice $0.99
Frozen vegetables $1.99
Alphabet pasta $1.00
Total spent: $9.63