Tomato-Beef-Wild Rice Soup

So I got a new cookbook for Christmas. Southern Living: 40yrs of our Best Recipes. That is where this recipe comes from. Very yummy and a good alternative to Chicken and Wild Rice soup.

Ingredients:

1lb beef tips

2TBS olive oil

4 celery ribs, chopped

2 lrg onions sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 TBS dried Italian Seasoning

3 (14oz) cans beef broth

1 (6oz) package wild rice

1(14.5oz) can diced tomatoes

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1/4tsp hot sauce

1/2-1tsp salt

1tsp pepper

1 bay leaf

Directions:

1. Saute beef, in batches, in hot oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat until brown. Add chopped celery and next 3 ingredients; saute 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

2. Stir in beef broth and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Cover and simmer 30 more minutes or until rice is tender. Remove and discard bay leaf before serving.