Beef Barley Soup

My kids all scarfed down this soup and I loved watching it happen! Who knew kids would eat barley? There was barely enough left to make another meal for one person the next day :)

INGREDIENTS:
1.5 lbs. beef stew meat
1 Tbs canola oil
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
1 C chopped onion
1 C diced celery
1 C sliced fresh carrots
1/2 C chopped green pepper
4 C beef broth
2 C water
1 C spaghetti sauce
2/3 C medium pearl barley
1 Tbs. dried parsley flakes
2 tsp. salt
1- 1.5 tsp. dried basil
3/4 tsp. pepper

I skipped this first step as the meat is in the crockpot so long it melts in your mouth.

1. In a large skillet, brown meat in oil over medium heat; drain.
2. In a 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the vegetables, broth, water, spaghetti sauce, barley, and seasonings. Stir in beef. Cover and cook on low for 9-10 hours or until meat is tender. Skim fat from cooking juices. Yield: 8 servings.