1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion
1 (28 oz.) tomatoes
2 c. water
3 cans beef consomme
1 can tomato soup
4 carrots, chopped fine
3 stalks celery, chopped fine
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. thyme
8 Tbsp. barley

Brown meat and onion; drain well. Combine all ingredients and simmer, covered, for 2 to 4 hours.

I have substituted ground turkey and chicken broth and it is wonderful.