1 lb. lean ground beef
1 c. chopped onions
4 c. hot water, 1 qt.
1 c. each cut up carrots, celery, potatoes
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. meat extract or Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
Pinch of basil
6 whole fresh tomatoes, stems removed or 28 oz. canned tomatoes

Brown beef slowly. Add and cook chopped onion 5 minutes more. Drain or blot on paper towel to remove all fat. Add all other ingredients EXCEPT tomatoes. Mix thoroughly, loosening brown crispiness form bottom of kettle. Bring to boil, cover, then simmer 20 minutes. Add tomatoes, cover and simmer 10 minutes longer. When preparing for camping, make with half the water, freeze and use in ice chest to keep other foods chilled. When thawed, add rest of water. Serves 6.