Hamburger Minestrone Soup

Yet again a staple food from growing up.  Very hearty and tasty.  You can whip up this whole thing  and then freeze leftovers for when you just want some yummy soup!   (Oh I always have a piece of toast, homemade of course, with cheese on it to dip in.  MMMMM!)  Go ahead and crockpot this too...

Hamburger Minestrone Soup

1 lb ground beef
1 c onions, chopped
2 medium potatoes, cubed
2 c sliced carrots
2 stalks celery, diced
2 c shredded cabbage
1/2 c brown rice or barley
1 small zucchini, sliced (optional)
1 qt tomatoes or tomato juice
2 tsp Mrs Dash
1 small bay leaf
1/2 tsp thyme
1 tsp basil
2 tsp beef bouillon granules
2 qts water

Brown hamburger with onions until tender.  Drain fat.  Mix all of the ingredients together and boil for 5 minutes.  Turn down to low and cook 1 1/2 hours or until vegetables are tender.  Makes 12 large servings.