lb. ground beef
1 c. chopped onion
4 c. water
1 c. chopped carrots
1 c. diced celery
1 c. cubed, pared potatoes
6 tomatoes (or 1-28 oz. can with liquid)
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Kitchen Bouquet (browning and seasoning)
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf
1/8 tsp. basil

In large saucepan, cook and stir meat until brown. Drain off fat. Cook and stir onions with meat until onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients except tomatoes. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 20 minutes. Add tomatoes; cover and simmer 10 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender.

If using canned tomatoes reduce water to 3 cups. Stir in tomatoes with remaining ingredients; heat to boiling. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.