Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup

This was a super easy but flavorful soup.  I even took some shortcuts and it was still great.  I didn't brown the meat on the stove first; I simply dumped that and everything into the crockpot and turned it on.  I think there's no need for searing first, but try it if you want to.  You can also make this on the stove. 

Beef Barley Soup

adapted from The Food Charlton

Serves 8 

2 pounds beef stew meat
salt and pepper
7-8 cups water
3 mounded tablespoons good quality beef base
3 stalks celery (about 2 cups), chopped
1-2 onions, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 large potato, peeled and cubed, about 2 cups
3-4 large carrots, peeled and sliced, about 2 cups
1 cup quick barley*

1.  Add the meat to a large crockpot.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper  Add the water, the beef base, celery, onions, garlic, potato, and carrot to the slow cooker and stir.  Cook about 8 hours.  Add the barley and cook for 20-30 minutes or so, until it is tender.

*If you want to use regular barley, just cook longer- at least one hour, or until tender.  Check before serving.

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