1 lb. ground round steak or hamburger
2 tbsp. oil
2 c. finely chopped onion
2 c. canned or fresh tomatoes, cut in pieces
1 c. thinly sliced carrots
1 c. chopped celery
2 c. cubed potatoes
1/2 c. barley
Salt and pepper to taste
5 c. water

Lightly brown meat in oil (drain if too much fat). Add chopped onion and cook until onion is tender (about 5 minutes). Add remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Additional water may be added if soup becomes too thick. Makes about 5 servings.