Easy Breezy Weeknight dinner- Beef, Barley, and Vegetable Soup

Ok, so we are all busy during the week, but that doesn't mean that we can't have a warm and comforting meal with only 20 minutes or less prep time.  Not only that, it's finally starting to cool down outside, what could be better than a harty bowl of beef, barley, and vegetable soup!

• 3.5 lb of stewing beef
• drizzle of olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp of Herbs de Provence (or whatever dried herbs that you like... italian seasoning would work just fine if that's what you have on hand)
• 1- 14.5 oz can of tomatoes-undrained
• 48 oz of beef broth
• 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup of pearl barley-rinsed
• Salt and pepper

1. Drizzle olive oil in the bottom of a large pot
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper then brown it in the olive oil
3. Add onion, garlic, bay leaf, and herbs... allow the flavors to mingle about 5-10 minutes
4. Add tomatoes, vegetables, barley, and broth 
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about an hour
6. Taste- season with salt and pepper
7. ENJOY!