6 c. water
1 c. med. barley
1 med. onion, chopped
1 1/2 tbsp. minced parsley
1 can (16 oz.) tomatoes, chopped
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 lg. carrot, diced
2 lg. ribs celery with leaves, diced
2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Put water, beef and barley in large kettle. Stir to break up meat. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer 50-60 minutes or until barley is tender, stirring occasionally. Makes 2 1/2 quarts.

In slow cooker cook covered at low setting 6 hours or at high setting 3 hours or until barley is tender. If too thick, add more water.