I notice that you didn't mention water. Do you use stock?
Edit: you just toss in the chopped meat? You don't brown it first? Just curious.
I'm sorry yeah I use enough water to cover the veggies. No I don't brown the meat first. Unless I use stew meat then I boil it first then use the stock with the tomato juice. Lately I've been using the tomato juice I've canned.