Hearty Beef Barley Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Lean stew meat; cut in 1" cubes
• 1/2 c Onion; chopped
• 2 Cloves garlic; minced
• 1 lg Can beef broth; (49 1/2 oz)
• 1 cn Diced tomatoes w/Italian herbs; undrained (14 oz)
• 3/4 c Quick barley; pearled
• 1/2 c Celery; sliced
• 1/2 c Carrots; sliced
• 2 Beef bouillon cubes
• 1/2 ts Dried basil; crushed
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 pk Frozen mixed vegetables for soup; (16 oz)

Instructions:

• In cast iron Dutch Oven or soup pot, brown meat.
• Add onions and garlic, cooking until onions are tender. Drain if necessary.
• Stir in remaining ingredient except frozen vegetables.
• Cover; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add frozen vegetables, cook about 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
• About 8- 1 cup servings.