Shauna's Hamburger Vegetable Soup

1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 quart bottled tomatoes, undrained or canned tomatoes if fresh bottled ones are not available
6 cups water
6 beef bouillon cubes
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 cup regular barley
1 lb. package frozen mixed vegetables (may be subsituted with any desired fresh vegetables)
1 1/2 cup chopped celery
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Cook beef, onion and garlic in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until beef is browned; drain fat. Add tomatoes, water, bouillon, pepper, and basil to meat mixture. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes. Add barley and vegetables. Simmer 15 more minutes. Recipe from Shauna W.