Italian Beef & Barley Soup

(From Crockpot: Soups & Stews)
serves 6

Ingredients:
1 boneless beef top sirloin steak (about 1.5 lbs)
1 T veggie oil
4 medium carrots or parsnips, cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 c chopped onion
1 t thyme
1/2 t rosemary
1/4 t black pepper
1/3 c uncooked pearl barley
3-4 c beef stock
1 can (about 14 oz) diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning (undrained)

Directions:
1. Cut beef into 1 in pieces. Heat oil over medium-high heat in large skillet. Brown beef on all sides; set aside.

2. Place carrots and onion in crockpot; sprinkle with seasonings. Top with barley and beef. Pour stock and tomatoes over meat.

3. Cook on low 8-10 hours (or until beef is tender)

Tip: Choose pearl barley instead of quick cooking barley as it stands up better to long cooking.