Beef Soup (Quick) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 onion, coarsely chopped (large)
1 garlic clove, minced
2/3 c. barley
4 diced carrots
3 celery ribs, sliced
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes
3 (10 1/2 oz.) cans beef consomme
2 c. water
1 (10 1/2 oz.) can tomato soup (optional)
1 bay leaf
1/4 c. minced parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in Dutch oven until meat is no longer pink; drain off drippings.
Add barley, carrots, celery and tomatoes with liquid (chop up tomatoes).
Add beef consomme, water, tomato soup (if using), bay leaf, 1/4 cup parsley and salt and pepper as desired.
Cover and simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.