Hearty Minestrone *

1 pound ground beef

6 cups water

1 (28 oz) can stewed tomatoes

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped bell pepper

1 cup sliced carrot

2 tsp salt

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp black pepper

3 bay leaves

1 (14 oz) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup shredded cabbage

1/2 cup dry macaroni

Shredded parmesan cheese for topping

Heat a stockpot over medium high heat.  Brown ground beef, then drain.  Return to stockpot.  Add the water, undrained tomatoes, onion, celery, bell pepper, carrot, salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper and bay leaves.  Bring to a boil; reduce the heat.  Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally,, for about 1 hour.  Add beans, cabbage and macaroni.  Mix well and cover.  Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.  Discard bay leaves.  Ladle into soup bowls and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Serves 8