This recipe was wonderful. I could not get instant barley, but used the regular one. I put everything into the pot except the ground meat and cooked it for 1 1/2 hours, then added the meat. I also added carrots and mushrooms. It was the best!

I accidentally used regular barley instead of quick-cooking, which I think made it a 3-star recipe, rather bland and had to doctor up a lot. I'd assume that the quick-cooking doesn't cook up to as much volume and maybe that would make the difference? I like others' suggestion to use sliced or cubed instead of ground beef. I'll try this again with the changes - I think it has potential.

My family and I were actually moderately disappointed in this recipe, given the outstanding reviews. We thought it turned out lumpy, grey, bland, and a bit greasy. The flavor was good, however - it just needed a bit more kick! I had made a big double batch so after having some for dinner I doctored the rest. I took veggies (2 leeks, 4 carrots, 3 zucchini, 1/2 green bell pepper, and a 6oz package sliced baby portabello mushrooms) and sauteed them in a bit of butter until tender crisp. Then I added enough water and simmered them 20 minutes. I added this to the soup along with a dash or two of cayenne, 2 tsp dried parsley, and a couple cloves of garlic. It turned out quite good! I would make this again, but I would make it the 'doctored' way. I would also definitely use cubed meat or stew meat instead of ground, to avoid the lumpy grey look. It is great as something quick and easy on a hectic winter evening; but if I'm bothering to make soup I would rather take the time and make it really great instead of tasting no better than prepackaged. Thank you for sharing it!

Pretty good! We added more celery and also several carrots. I thought this was very good for a quick basic recipe!

Wonderful soup!! I made this to a tee, just added 2 bay leaves. Very easy, rich tasting, and oh so delish. I've made it several times over and will again for New Years. Thanks!

First - you don't need salt! The soup and tomatoes are PLENTY salty! I strayed from the recipe a bit, used less water, and less basil (1/4 tsp), 2 cloves of fresh crushed garlic, 1/2 can of tomato sauce AND cut up stip steak (cheaper than hamburger or stew meat - go figure). Also I added veggies (green beans and carrots) BUT we all decided that the meat/barley/onion/celery combo was the truest of flavors and would skip adding any veggies other than mushrooms.

Delicious! Extremely easy to prepare ingredients! It was ready in barely no time at all and full of flavor. The only issue was finding barley in the store. I couldn't find it in Super Target. Finally found it in Publix by the bagged dry beans. I used chuck stew beef instead of ground beef and regular Organic diced tomotes and added minced garlic. Every bit of beef was tender. Will make again and again. Thanks for sharing.

The best I've made even my husband who doesn't like tomatoes enjoyed it!!!

Made it yesterday and it was awesome, thanks for a great recipe! I did, however, leave the celery out because we don't like it.