1 lb. lean ground beef
2 tsp. + 1 tsp. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 T minced garlic
6 cups homemade beef stock (or use 3 cans beef broth and a little water to make 6 cups)
4 cups vegetable stock (or 2 cans vegetable broth and a little water to make 4 cups)
2 tsp. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup finely chopped carrots
1/2 cup pearl barley
1 T balsamic vinegar
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste