Slow Cooking Thursday

Welcome to my weekly Crockpot Recipes Exchance. It's such a great way to share your favorite dishes or to learn some new ones to make for your family.

What do you think??? Do You have some great recipes to share, or perhaps you're looking for some delicious ones to give you a reason to pull out the ol' crockpot???

Time to pull out those crockpots and put them to good use. If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr Linky :)

There's nothing like simmering soup on a cold winter day, and since there has been snow and freezing temperatures, I figured this was the perfect recipe to share. Enjoy!!!

Classic Beef-Barley Soup

* 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 ribs celery, diced
* 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes
* 3 1/2 to 4 cups beef broth
* 2 c. water
* 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can tomato soup (optional)
* 1 bay leaf
* 1/4 c. minced parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste

Brown ground beef, onion, and garlic in skillet; drain well. Transfer meat mixture to slow cooker; add barley and remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on high 1 hour then on low 5-6 hours.
Serves 6.