This is a really easy and good soup. Add more beef broth if looking for a very beefy taste and thicken up with cornstarch & beef broth. The main thing to remember is to NOT STIR the soup until close to the end of cooking time.
1 lb cubed beef stew
2 cups carrots, sliced thin
1 cup celery, thin sliced
3/4 cup chopped green peppers
1 large onion, diced
1/2 cup barley
1/4 chopped parsley
4 beef bouillon cubes
1 (10.00 ounces) can beef broth
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons catsup
5 cups water
Layer in the crock pot the Vegetables and meat, Barley, beef broth and spices. Cover with water. DO NOT STIR. Cook on low 10 hours, or high 6 hours.