Crumble beef into a microwave safe plastic colander suspended over a 3 qt.
casserole.
Top with onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic; cover with casserole lid or vented plastic wrap.
Stirring midway through cooking, microwave on HIGH for 6 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink.
Discard grease and place barley, tomato paste and bouillon in same casserole.
Pour boiling water over barley; stir.
Top with beef mixture and tomatoes with liquid; do not stir.
Re-cover and microwave on MEDIUM- HIGH (70 %) for 30 minutes.
Stir and let stand for 5 minutes.
Makes 6 servings.
Nutritional value per serving: 360 calories 23 grams protein 34 grams carbohydrates 4 grams fiber 15 grams fat 66 milligrams cholesterol 545 milligrams sodium
Ingredients
1 LB. Ground Beef
1/2 c Each: chopped onion, celery
-and bell pepper
1 Garlic clove, minced
1 c Medium pearl barley
1/4 c Tomato paste
2 ts Instant beef bouillon
-granules
2 1/2 c Boiling water
1 cn Tomatoes or stewed tomatoes,
-with liquid (14.5 ounces)