Slow Cooker Ground Beef, Barley, and Vegetables Soup

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2/3 cup pearl barley
• 3 to 4 medium carrots, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 (10 1/2-ounce) can tomato soup, optional
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup minced parsley
• 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Brown ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat; drain well.
2. Transfer meat mixture to slow cooker; add barley and remaining ingredients.
3. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour, then on low 5 to 6 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.