Skiers Soup

1 lb ground beef
6 C water
3 sliced onions
3 large carrots, sliced
3 medium potatoes, diced
3 stalks celery, sliced
1 can tomato soup
1 large can diced tomatoes (28 oz.)
2 C sliced cabbage (optional)
1/4 C rice
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp sweet basil
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
dash of cayenne pepper (just to add a wee zip)

Brown ground beef in heavy pot with one tablespoon oil. Use a potato masher to stir while browning (it's great for crumbling the beef). Add remaining ingredients except rice and seasonings and bring to a boil. Add rice and seasonings. Cover and simmer for one hour. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.