Quick Beef and Barley Soup

Just a few minutes of prep, and then it simmers by itself for an hour. Use 1 1/3 cups pearl barley for Phase 1 (and more broth, if necessary), or 2/3 cup for Phase 3.

Source: Rachel Ray

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 14½ ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 6 cups beef broth
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch rounds
• 3 ribs celery, sliced
• ½ cup pearl barley
• ½ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

In a large saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it starts to brown. Stir in the onion and garlic, lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is well browned, 12 to 15 minutes.

Stir in the tomatoes and oregano and bring to a simmer over high heat. Stir in the broth, carrots, celery and barley and return to a simmer. 

Lower the heat and cook until the barley is very tender, about 1 hour. Stir in the parsley; season with salt and pepper.