Five Spice Beef and Rice

1 lb. ground beef
1 Tbl. olive oil (opt.)
3/4 c. finely chopped onion
dash of pepper
1/2 small bay leaf
1/8 tsp. EACH garlic powder, thyme, and oregano
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
5.5 oz. can V-8 juice (opt.)
1 c. minute rice
1/2 - 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Brown meat (in olive oil), add onion, cook until tender. Stir in seasonings, soup, tomatoes, V-8 juice, and minute rice right from box. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat; simmer for five min., stirring occasionally. Sprinkle top with grated cheddar cheese. Cover to melt cheese (about 2 min.).