1 lb. ground beef
1 to 2 tbsp. fat
1 c. onion, chopped
4 c. hot water
1 c. carrots, diced
1 c. celery, diced
1 c. potatoes, diced
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf
6 whole tomatoes, stems removed

Brown beef in hot fat in a heavy kettle. Add onions; cook 5 minutes. Add water, vegetables and seasonings. Mix thoroughly. Bring to a boil, cover, simmer 20 minutes. Add tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes longer.

Makes 6 servings.