In a large kettle, cook beef with onion and garlic until slightly brown. Add water, potatoes, carrots, celery, cabbage, and tomatoes; bring mixture to a boil. Add bay leaf, thyme, basil, salt and pepper; stir. Sprinkle rice on top. Reduce heat, cover and simmer one hour. Remove bay leaf. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve. </pre>