Beef & Barley Stew

One of my wifes favourites is a good beef and barley soup so when I put this dish together, she thought she had died and gone to Heaven.

• 1 Lb. extra-lean ground beef


• 1/2 Cup chopped onion


• 2 Cups beef broth


• 2/3 Cup uncooked barley


• 1/2 Tsp. dried oregano


• 1/4 Tsp. salt


• 1/4 Tsp. pepper


• 1 - 16 Oz. can whole tomatoes (undrained)


• 1 - 8 Oz. can sliced water chestnuts (undrained)


• 1 - 10 Oz. pkg. frozen mixed vegetables

Cook ground beef and onion in skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown then drain off excess fat.

Mix beef mixture and remaining ingredients, except frozen mixed vegetables, and place in crock pot. Break up tomatoes, cover pot and cook on low for 2 hours.

Stir in mixed vegetables. Cover and cook on low 3 more hours or until barley is done.