1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
6 c. water
3 med. sized carrots, chopped (1 c.)
2 med. sized stalks celery, chopped (1 c.)
1 lg. potato, pared & cut into 1/2" pieces (about 1 c.)
2 med. sized onions, chopped (1 c.)
2 tsp. salt
1/4 - 1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. bottled gravy coloring
1 bay leaf
1/8 tsp. leaf basil, crumbled
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes

Cook ground beef in Dutch oven, stirring constantly until light brown; drain. Stir in water, carrots, celery, potato, onions, salt, pepper, gravy coloring, bay leaf and basil. Add tomatoes, breaking up with a spoon. Heat to boiling; lower heat; cover. Simmer 90 minutes.