1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 c. chopped carrots
1 c. chopped celery
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) beef broth
1 (8 oz.) can stewed tomatoes, undrained
1/2 tsp. basil
1/4 c. uncooked barley
4 c. water
3 tbsp. ketchup
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. salt

1. Brown beef and drain well.

2. Add onions, carrots, celery, broth, tomatoes, basil, barley, water, ketchup, bay leaf, and salt.

3. Simmer for about 1 1/2 hours. Season to taste.

This makes a complete meal in a bowl. I serve it with homemade bread lathered with lots of butter! (Calories removed of course!) I make my own: 2 cups water and 2 teaspoons bouillon granules.