1/4 c. vegetable oil
2 lbs. ground round
2 c. onion, finely chopped
2 (16 oz.) cans tomatoes
2 c. cabbage, finely chopped
2 c. raw potatoes, cubed
2 c. raw carrots, diced
1 1/2 c. celery, diced
1/2 c. green pepper, chopped
3 qts. water
1/2 c. uncooked rice
4 bay leaves
1 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
2 2/3 tbsp. salt (I use 1/2 this amount)
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil in large kettle. Saute ground round and onions until the meat starts to brown. Add tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, celery and green pepper. Bring to boiling. Stir in water, rice, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Bring to a second boil; reduce heat and simmer 1 hour. Serve sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese. Makes 12 servings.