1 lb. ground beef or chicken
1 c. chopped onion
1 c. cubed raw potatoes
1 c. sliced carrots
1/2 c. diced celery
2 1/2 c. tomatoes or sauce
1/4 c. raw rice
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 sm. bay leaf
5 tsp. salt (less or none)
1/4 tsp. basil, oregano or Italian seasoning
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 qt. water

Brown beef and onions; add vegetables and 1/2 of the water. Boil for a little while. Add rice, seasonings and rest of water. Cover and simmer 1 hour. OR Throw it all in a crock pot, walk out the door and come home to a pot of yummy soup. Serve with corn dodgers.