1 lb. ground beef
1 or 2 tsp. fat
1 c. chopped onion
4 c. hot water
1 c. each of cut-up carrots, celery, potatoes
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. meat extract or a beef bouillon cube
1 bay leaf
Pinch of basil
6 whole fresh tomatoes or 2 small cans tomatoes

Brown the beef and onions. Add water, carrots, celery and potatoes, also the seasonings. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes. Add tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.