A comforting and hearty soup perfect for a cozy meal.
Prepare all the vegetables by washing and chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
Uniformly chopping the vegetables ensures even cooking.
In the slow cooker, combine the beef, vegetables, barley, and seasonings.
Layer the ingredients evenly for consistent cooking.
Pour in the water, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-9 hours.
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain the temperature.
Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Adding seasoning at the end allows you to fine-tune the flavor.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.