1 lb stew beef

1 small onion, chopped

1/4 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp oregano

1 bay leaf

3 beef bouillon cubes

1/2 c barley

vegetables of choice (I use the following: celery, potatoes, carrots – all diced; green beans and/or peas)

1. Preheat cast iron skillet, coat with olive oil, and brown stew beef.
2. While stew beef is browning, turn crock pot on low, and add approximately 4 c water.
3. Rinse barley to remove any fine particulates and add to crock pot. I also add the chopped onion at this time.
4. Once stew beef is lightly browned, add to crock pot.
5. Combine garlic powder, oregano, bouillon, and bay leaf; add to crock pot mixture and stir.
6. Add vegetables of your choosing to crock pot.
7. Cook on low for 3-4 hrs and ENJOY!

* BONUS * Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls pair nicely with this soup 😋