3 tbsp. butter
1 med. onion, chopped
1 1/2 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
28 oz. tomatoes
2 cans beef consomme
2 cans water
4 carrots, chopped
1 tbsp. celery flakes
Parsley to taste
1 tsp. thyme
1 tbsp. salt
Pepper
1/2 c. pearl barley
Chopped potatoes or rutabagas as desired

Saute the onion in the butter. Combine all ingredients and simmer 1 hour.