1 lb. ground beef
1 c. chopped onion
5 c. hot water
1 c. carrots, circles
1 c. celery, sliced
1 c. potato, cubed
2 tsp. salt
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. beef bouillon
Pinch of basil
1 can whole tomatoes

Brown beef; drain. Add onion and cook 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients except tomatoes. Bring to a boil then lower to simmer and cover. Simmer 20 minutes. Add tomatoes, cook 10 minutes longer. Serve with Parmesan or other cheese grated over each bowl, if you like.