I'll dedicate this to :3

1 small package low fat ground beef (half of a pound is all you really need)
1 can chopped tomatoes
1 package mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 - 2 boxes low salt beef broth
3/4ths cup barley
1 heaping teaspoons thyme, rosemary, and Italian seasoning
2 bay leaves (optional)
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
salt + pepper to taste

First - you want to cook down the meat and break it up in your large stockpot with the oil at a high heat. That will take maybe 5-6 minutes at the most, and if you have brown bits at the bottom, GOOD. (That would be the "fond" that will help boost the flavor of the soup)

Add the onions, garlic and other veggies and saute for another 5 minutes;

Then put in the broth on high, boil and let cook for 30 minutes; but, at the half way point, add in the barley and then the herbs / bay leaves, and cook at a lower heat, preferably covered so that the barley has a chance to soak in some of the broth.

You can check on it from time to time, and skim off any of the fat that floats up to the top with a ladle;

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then serve with a good slice of bread!

Enjoy!