Beef Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups water
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (11-1/2 ounces) V8 juice
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 bay leaf