This hearty soup will whet the appetite of anyone who smells it cooking.
1 pound ground beef
2 to 3 onions, peeled and chopped
4 cups cold water
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 to 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon chopped basil
6 fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped, or 1 can (20 ounces), undrained
Brown meat in skillet. Drain, leaving 1 tablespoon fat. Set meat aside. Sauté onions in fat until tender. Combine onions with all ingredients except tomatoes in soup kettle, heat to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 30 minutes. Return met to soup, add tomatoes, and simmer another 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.