Grandma's Vegetable Soup

I love soup year round, but I especially crave it in the winter.  Is there anything better than a warm, hearty bowl of soup on a cold day?  I think not.  Today I wanted to share with you my great grandmother's hamburger soup recipe (although I omit the hamburger, so I like to call it vegetable soup instead:)  I've always loved it, but this season my husband and I have been obsessed.  I think I've made it three times in the past month! It's chuck full of fresh vegetables and herbs, and it's super easy to throw together in ten minutes or so.  Here is the recipe...

Grandma's Vegetable Soup

Brown:

1 pound ground beef (I like to substitute with ground turkey- it's healthier and tastes just as good!)
1 cup onion, chopped

Add: 

1 cup cubed potatoes
1 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
3-4 cups bottled or canned tomatoes
1/4 cup rice
1 small by leaf
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon thyme
3-4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 quart water

Cook slowly.  Add cheese to soup when served if desired.

Enjoy!!!