Minestrone Hamburger Soup

1 pound ground beef
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup cubed raw potato
1 cup sliced raw carrot
½ cup celery, diced
½ cup shredded cabbage
1 large can tomatoes ( 2 ½ cups)
¼ cup rice
1 small bay leaf
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
¼ teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 ½ quart water
grated cheddar cheese

Cook beef with onion until slightly browned; add potato, carrot, celery, cabbage and tomatoes.   Bring to a boil.   Sprinkle in rice; add bay leaf, thyme, basil, salt, pepper and water.  Cover and simmer 1 hour.  To serve sprinkle with cheese.  Makes 5 servings.