Before browning the hamburger, prepare the carrots, onion, celery and potatoes.
Start browning the hamburger and lightly season with salt and pepper. Add the chopped onions right away.
Midway through the browning process, add the carrots, celery, potatoes and bay leaf.
Lightly simmer browned hamburger and vegetables for 15 minutes.
Add 6 cups of water, beef bouillon, fire roasted tomatoes, corn and barley.
Increase heat to med-high and bring soup to boil.
Turn heat down and simmer for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serving Size 8 Generous servings