1 lb. lean ground beef
2 med. onions, chopped
1 c. carrots, chopped
1 c. celery, chopped
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can beef broth
1 (8 oz.) can stewed tomatoes, undrained and cut up
1/2 tsp. basil
1/4 c. uncooked barley
4 c. water
3 tbsp. ketchup
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. salt, plain or seasoned

Brown beef and drain well. Add other ingredients and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours. Season to taste. This makes a real meal in a bowl. Serves 6. Freezes well.