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

Brown meat and drain well. Add other ingredients and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours. Season to taste. Makes about 6 servings. (Easy to double and freeze the remaining.)