Hamburger Minestrone Soup

1 lb ground chuck 1 20-oz can tomatoes,
(or lean ground beef) including juice
1 c chopped onion 1 small bay leaf
1 large clove garlic, chopped 1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 1/2 quarts water 1/4 tsp dried basil
1 c cubed potatoes 1 Tbsp salt
1 c sliced carrots 1/8 tsp pepper
1 c diced celery 1/4 c uncooked rice
1 c shredded cabbage Grated Parmesan cheese

In a large kettle, cook beef with onion and garlic until slightly
brown. Add water, potatoes, carrots, celery, cabbage, and tomatoes;
bring mixture to a boil. Add bay leaf, thyme, basil, salt and pepper;
stir. Sprinkle rice on top. Reduce heat, cover and simmer one hour.
Remove bay leaf. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve. </pre>

Source: Stilwell/Stanley Sun Newspaper (KS)
Makes: 6 to 8 servings.