Beef Lentil Soup

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 quart water
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 2 cups cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup carrot, sliced
• 1 cup celery, sliced
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 2 beef bouillon cubes (optional)
• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

1. In a large pot, brown ground beef and drain fat.
2. Add water,lentils, cabbage,carrots, celery,onion, green pepper, pepper, thyme and bay leaf. Add salt and bouillon cubes if using.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 - 1 1/2 hours or until lentils and vegetables are tender.
4. Add spinach and heat through. Remove bay leaf.

lean ground beef, water, dried lentils, cabbage, carrot, celery, onion, green pepper, pepper, thyme, bay leaf, salt, beef bouillon cubes, spinach

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/beef-lentil-soup-261795 (may not work)