Beef and Barley Soup

Beef and Barley Soup

Julia   

Honestly, we don’t eat a lot of red meat around here.  We’re not big fans, but occasionally, it does taste good, especially in a soup.  Paired with barley, this veggie-filled beef soup is perfect for a chilly winter day. 

Vegetable and Barley Soup – Adapted from Good Cheap Eats

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb. stew beef, cubed into small bite-sized pieces
• 1 1/2 C sliced carrots
• 1/4 C diced celery
• 1/4 C diced onion
• 1/2 C barley (not quick cook)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 4 C chicken broth
• 1 tsp. herbs de Provence seasoning
• 1/2 C peas, frozen
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Begin by browning the beef on all sides in the bottom of your stockpot.  Add in carrots, celery and onion, sautéing for about 5 minutes. 

Add in the barley and bell pepper and sauté another 2-3 minutes until barley is slightly toasted. 

Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth and tomato sauce.  Stir well. 

Stir in the herbs de Provence seasoning and salt and pepper.  Reduce the soup to a simmer and simmer, covered for 15-20 minutes.  Stir occasionally. 

Add in the frozen peas, and continue simmering for 10 minutes. 

Remove from the heat and serve warm. 

Enjoy!

Crockpot Steak Fajitas

Crockpot Steak Fajitas

Julia   

With all our basement work, and the heat of summer, our crockpots have been getting a workout. 

These fajitas are super easy to make and filling for your tummy.

There is also something amazing about walking in the door at night after work and having dinner ready for you to eat.  Love that. 

Crockpot Steak Fajitas

Ingredients

• Fajita seasoning
• 1 lb. steak
• 6 medium bell peppers (colored and green)
• 1/4 C beef broth

Directions

Slice steak into smaller pieces and place in the bottom of a large crockpot.  Season with fajita seasoning and then add in 1/4 C beef broth. 

Slice up the bell peppers into thin strips and layer these over the beef. 

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. 

Using two forks, shred the beef.  Place beef, and peppers in the center of a tortilla.  Add cheese, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, etc., as you desire. 

Roll up and serve warm. 

Enjoy!