Hamburger soup

3 qts. water
2 beef boullion cubes
1/3 C uncooked rice
1/3 C uncooked pearl barley
2 16 oz.. cans (or fresh/frozen) mixed vegetables, (carrots, corn, peas, limas, green beans)
2 16 oz. cans diced tomatoes (or fresh if you prefer)
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef, browned and drained of fat

Optional condiments: tomato ketchup, horseradish, fresh cut parsley

In a frying pan, brown ground beef; and drain off all fat. In a soup kettle, place 3 quarts of water and two beef boullion cubes, and chopped onion; bring to a boil. Add 1/3 cup rice and 1/3 cup barley, bring to a boil. Then add canned (or fresh or frozen if you prefer) vegetables, drained hamburger and tomatoes (fresh if you prefer). Bring to a boil again, lower heat and allow to simmer for at least 15 minuted to blend the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with tomato ketchup, fresh parsley and horseradish to taste.

Number of Servings: 20

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user MOOKBALL.