Busy Day Soup (aka Mean Soup)

Just what we need this time of year! It's cold and blustery outside, Christmas shopping or gift wrapping or baking is wearing you out, and the kids are hungry. Enter "Busy Day Soup." These are all ingredients that keep for a while (especially if your meat is frozen), so you can "whip it up" whenever. (This is from my friend Bridgette's mother-in-law and she calls it "Mean Soup".)

Updated 10/31/14: My friend Megan and I've discovered that you can adapt this soup easily to the contents of your pantry/freezer. We both have added bouillon or chicken broth to the water (if using a can of chicken broth, simply add it first and then add water as needed). I had some leftover green beans but no potatoes when I made the version pictured above. It's also good with a sprinkling of shredded cheese on top.

Busy Day Soup (aka Mean Soup)

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 c. chopped onion
• 1 c. sliced carrots
• 1 c. chopped celery
• 1 c. cut-up potatoes
• 1 (14.5-oz) can whole or diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• pinch of basil (or several shakes!)
• water

Brown beef and onions. Add remaining ingredients. Add enough water to cover vegetables. Cook for 30 minutes or till vegetables are tender.