2 lb. ground beef
1 lg. onion, chopped (1 c.)
1 c. diced celery
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. sweet basil
2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf
1 can (46 oz.) V-8 juice
1 c. uncooked rice (not instant)

Brown ground beef in large skillet and drain. Add onion, celery and garlic; saute 5 minutes or until soft. Stir in seasonings, V-8 juice and rice; heat to boiling; cover. Simmer 45 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is almost absorbed. Remove bay leaf before serving.