Hearty Tomato Rice Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 lb. hamburger
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1 large can tomatoes
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 1/3 cup dry rice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh basil or half teaspoon dried
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Sauté hamburger and onion in butter; add celery. Break up hamburger into small pieces. Combine with remaining ingredients. Cook over low heat 30 minutes or until rice is tender. Optional: Use chopped steak instead of hamburger. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream 10 minutes before serving.