Beef Barley Soup

Michelle made Beef Barley Soup this month.  Here is her recipe:

Beef Barley Soup 

12 cups water 

6 beef bouillon cubes 

28 oz can diced tomatoes 

10 oz can tomato soup 

2 cups shredded carrots

 2 cups shredded potato 

1 1/2 cups chopped onion 

1 cup chopped celery 

1/2 cup barley (pearl or pot) 

1 Tbsp. parsley flakes 

1 tsp. sugar 

1 tsp. salt 

1/2 tsp. pepper 

1/2 tsp. thyme 

2 lb ground beef

Brown beef and set aside. Heat water and bouillon cubes in a large pot; stir to dissolve. Add all ingredients except beef. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Add ground beef and simmer 1/2 hour longer. For a spicier soup add a dash of chili powder. Makes 22 cups.