Step 1: Brown the beef
In a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and onions over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, crumbling it as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Add the other ingredients
Add the stewed tomatoes (and their liquid), sliced carrots and celery, cubed potatoes, water, rice, salt and pepper to the pot with the beef and onions. Increase the heat and bring everything to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer
Turn the heat down to low and cover the pot. Simmer the stew for 30 minutes, or until the rice and vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Finish cooking
Remove the lid and simmer the stew for another 20 to 30 minutes, until it has thickened into your desired consistency.
