Alberta Beef Barley Stew

1. Heat 2 cups water to boiling in a microwave-safe bowl, about 2 minutes. Stir beef bouillon cubes and onion soup mix into boiling water until dissolved.

2. Pour bouillon mixture and remaining 4 cups water into a slow cooker; set cooker on High. Stir beef, potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into the slow cooker.

3. Cook, covered, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, 4 1/2 to 5 hours. Stir barley into beef mixture; continue cooking until barley is tender, about 30 minutes.

4. Turn slow cooker off, remove cover, and allow to cool until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Cook's Note:

Season to taste with pepper, and for that extra special touch...
why not heat up some buns in the oven and serve them warm with this meal!