1 lb. ground beef
1 c. chopped onion
1 c. sliced carrots
1 c. cubed potatoes
1/2 c. diced celery
1/4 c. rice
1 sm. bay leaf
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. basil leaves
5 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 qt. tomato juice
1 qt. water
Grated cheese (optional)

Brown the ground beef and onion. Drain. Combine other ingredients and simmer until done, about 1 1/2 hours.