No more Hamburger Helper! *barf*

This topic could probably be filed under the heading of "child abuse"...frightening childhood memories of being forced to eat Hamburger Helper. My mom subscribed to the "tough love" method of cooking, whereby she would begin a dinner, only to walk away and get comfortable on the couch; letting dinner fend for itself. Can't tell you how many times I heard from behind a newspaper, "something's burning...I hope it's not your dinner...!" Which was mom-code for, "hey, somebody should go stir that pot/pan." Passive-aggressive anger expressed via Hamburger Helper. Still makes me cringe. Here, try this, it's much better than that pre-packaged, high-sodium, nightmare-inducing garbage....

Beef 'N' Barley Dinner

2 lbs. ground beef/turkey
1/2 c. chopped celery (1 stalk)
1 small onion, minced
2 c. water
1 can (16oz.) tomatoes
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
1 T. sugar (I use brown sugar...mmmm...)
3/4 c. pearled barley

1. In large skillet, brown the meat. Drain grease. (if you're using ground turkey, there won't be any grease!!!)
   
2. Add onion and garlic; sautee until onion becomes opaque.
   
3. Add remaining ingredients.
4. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cover.
5. Simmer for 50 to 60 minutes, until barley is tender, stirring occasionally.