Saturday Night Beef Vegetable Soup

In a large skillet, brown beef on all sides in oil over medium high heat. Place beef on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 60 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes.

Transfer meat to a 4-quart Dutch oven. Add undrained tomatoes, salt, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 30 minutes. Remove bay leaf.

Stir in water, carrots, potatoes, and onion. Return to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in peas and cook, covered, 3 minutes more.