• 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 celery ribs, sliced into 1/4″ slices
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4″ slices
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 5 cups water
  • 2 tbsp beef bouillon
  • 1 tbsp parsley flakes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup medium pearled barley

Brown ground beef in a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. 

Add beef to a large slow cooker. Mix in all remaining ingredients except barley. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. During last hour of cooking, add barley and continue cooking for remaining time. Remove bay leaf before serving. 

6 servings