3 tbsp. butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 can (28 oz.) tomatoes
2 cans beef consomme, 10 oz.
2 soup cans water
4 carrots, sliced
4 celery tops and stalks, chopped
1 tbsp. parsley
1 1/2 tsp. thyme
10 peppercorns, tied in cheesecloth
1 tbsp. salt
1/2 c. barley

Saute onions in butter. Add beef, brown and drain. Add other ingredients. Simmer (covered) 1 hour+.