Wintertime Beef Barley Soup

This soup is sure to warm you up
on a blustery and cold winter day.
it also freezes well and is hardy
enough to be a meal in itself or
serve with a salad and bread.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs ground beef 85/15
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 carrots, peeled and sliced fine
3 stalks celery, sliced
8 Tbsp pearl barley
1 (28 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
2 cups water
3 cups beef broth
1 can tomato soup
3 - 4 bay leaves
1 Tbsp parsley
1/2 tsp thyme
Pepper to taste

Directions:
Brown beef and onions. Drain.
Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
Simmer covered for at least 2 hours.