1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 garlic clove, minced
1 large onion, chopped
1 qt. vegetable juice
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 bay leaf
2 (10 3/4 oz.) cans cream of celery soup (do not dilute)
2 c. carrots, thinly sliced
1 c. celery, thinly sliced
salt and pepper to taste

Steam ground beef, garlic and onion together. Drain and put in a large soup pot. Add juice, sugar, bay leaf and cream of celery soup. Microwave carrots and celery until tender. Add to soup mixture. Simmer for 1/2 hour. Add salt and pepper. Serves 6 to 8.

Tip: You could add almost any vegetable you'd like to this soup or add some pasta the last 7 minutes of cooking.