1 lb. ground beef
2 tbsp. shortening
1 pt. of canned tomatoes
1 c. diced carrots
1 c. diced potatoes
1 c. diced celery
1 lg. onion, chopped
2 c. water
1 to 2 tsp. salt (or to taste)
Few dashes of pepper
1/3 c. barley, if desired

Brown meat in shortening. Add remaining ingredients and simmer slowly for 2 to 2 2 1/2 hours.

For an interesting variation try adding thinly sliced cabbage, green beans and peas. You then may want to omit adding the barley.