1 lb. ground beef
1 c. chopped onions
1 clove garlic or 1 tsp. powder
1 1/2 qt. water
1 (#2) can tomatoes
1 c. cubed potatoes
1 c. sliced carrots
1/2 c. diced celery
1 or 2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. basil
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. thyme
Pepper to taste

Bring to boil, sprinkle in 1/4 cup raw regular rice or thin spaghetti. Cover and simmer 1 hour. Sprinkle with lots of Parmesan cheese and eat!