Hamburger-Vegetable Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
3 c. water
3 medium size carrots, chopped (1 c.)
2 medium size stalks celery, chopped (1 c.)
1 large potato, pared and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 medium size onions, chopped
2 tsp. salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. bottled gravy coloring (optional)
1 bay leaf
1/8 tsp. leaf basil, crumbled
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes

Preparation

Cook ground beef in Dutch oven, stirring constantly, until light brown; drain. Stir in water, carrots, celery, potato, onions, salt, pepper, gravy coloring, bay leaf and basil. Add tomatoes, breaking up with a spoon. Heat to boiling; lower heat. Cover. Simmer about 20 minutes or just until vegetables are tender. Taste; add additional salt and pepper, if needed.