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

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

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.