Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease 9x13 (or slightly smaller) baking dish.

Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil. Stir in 1 cup quick cooking barley, turn down to low and cover stirring occasionally so it does not boil over. Cook for about 5 minutes, it will continue to cook while baking. Similar to minute rice, the barley will keep absorbing liquid the longer it sits.

Meanwhile in a large skillet, cook chopped carrots and onions with olive oil over medium heat, about 5-6 minutes or until vegetables soften, season with salt and pepper. Add in ground beef and garlic, cook until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain if necessary. 

Stir in tomato and cream of celery soups, diced tomatoes, and peas. Season with onion and garlic powder, seasoned salt, 1 tablespoon of grated parm, and pepper. Stir in the cooked barley. Taste for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper to taste if needed.

Transfer to greased baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for about 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle hot dish with remaining 3 tablespoons of grated parm, and turn broiler on. Broil for a couple minutes until cheese is golden brown. Remove from oven.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with extra parm if desired. Great with toast, biscuits, or crescent rolls!