Potato Hamburger Soup

1 1/2 pounds hamburger

1 cup chopped onions

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup thinly sliced carrots

3 medium potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 can diced tomatoes

1 bay leaf

4 cups water*

salt and pepper, to taste

2 cubes beef bouillon, optional - for a more beefy flavor

*I have used 3 1/2 cups water plus 1 1/2 cups tomato juice to give the soup more flavor

Directions

Brown the hamburger and onions, drain. Place in a Dutch oven or stock pot and add all the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1-2 hours.