1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
1 med. onion, chopped or 1 tbsp. dried onion
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes
2 cans beef consomme
2 soup cans water
4 carrots, sliced crossways
4 celery tops, chopped
Parsley to taste
10 peppercorns (in mesh bag)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. thyme (optional)
1/2 c. barley

Brown ground beef and onion. Drain. (Rinse, if desired). Add all other ingredients. Simmer covered for at least 1 hour - or more! Enjoy!