1 lb. ground beef
1 tbsp. butter
1 c. chopped onions
1 qt. hot water
1 c. chopped carrots
1 c. diced potatoes
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf
Pinch of basil
Lg. can of tomatoes

Brown beef slowly; add onion. Saute 5 minutes. Drain beef. Combine all ingredients except tomatoes, in a large pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 20 minutes. Add tomatoes, chopped up. Simmer 10 minutes and serve.