1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
2 qts. hot water
2 c. tomatoes
2 lg. onions
2 c. potatoes
1 c. celery
1 c. shredded cabbage (optional)
2 c. carrots
1 c. corn (optional)
1/2 c. barley (optional)
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dry basil
1 bay leaf

Brown meat and remove excess fat; add remaining ingredients and simmer 1 hour. Garnish with chopped parsley.

I leave out the cabbage, corn and barley and add shell macaroni. Makes a lot. Great with cornbread.