1 lb Lean ground beef

1/2 c Chopped green pepper

1/2 c Chopped onion

1 Garlic clove; minced

2 1/2 c Water

16 oz Canned tomatoes, chopped

(undrained) 6 oz Tomato paste

3/4 c Medium QUAKER Barley*

1 tb Sugar

1/2 ts Salt (optional)

In a 4 quart saucepan or Dutch oven, brown ground beef. Add green pepper, onion and garlic. Cook until onion is tender; drain. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover. Simmer 45 to 50 minutes or until barley is tender, stirring occasionally.

Five 1 cup servings *NOTE: To use Quick QUAKER Barley, substitute 1 cup quick barley for medium barley. Prepare recipe as directed above except simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until barley is tender, stirring occasionally.