Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Shelbie made this for us and it was a definite make again.  Even Poppet ate it, that’s saying a lot!

Hamburger Vegetable Soup

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• 2 cups sliced carrots
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 4 (14.5-oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup brown rice, uncooked
• 6 to 10 cups water
• 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 Tablespoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 2 bay leaves

Brown ground beef and onion together until meat is lightly browned. Drain off excess fat. Add all remaining ingredients and bring mixture to a boil.

Cover and simmer for two to four hours. Check periodically and add more water, if needed. Remove bay leaves and serve.

Makes 18 to 20 cups of soup. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.