Classic Beef-Barley Soup

• pearl barley↗2⁄3 cup
• extra lean ground beef (I usually use beef bones from chuck or other roasts or steaks, with some meat left on them)↗1 1⁄2 lbs
• onion, chopped↗1
• garlic clove, minced↗1
• carrots, diced↗4
• stalks celery, diced↗3
• (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes1
• beef broth↗3 1⁄2 - 4 cups
• water↗2 cups
• (10 3/4 ounce) can tomato soup1
• bay leaf↗1
• cup minced fresh parsley1⁄4 cup
• salt & pepper

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Brown ground meat or beef bones (I'll usually throw in a marrow bone too, for the great flavor), onion & garlic in skillet. Transfer meat mixture to crockpot; add barley & remaining ingredients. Cover & cook on high 1 hour then on low 5-6 hours.

2. 2

   This soup tastes just like the kind your Grandmother used to make. It's delicious -- .