Brown 1 ½ pounds ground beef with ½ cup onion and 1 clove minced garlic. Drain off fat and put into slow cooker.
Dice 3-4 medium carrots and 3 stalks celery.
Layer carrots and celery on top of cooked hamburger mixture.
Add 1-28 oz can diced tomatoes, ⅔ cup pearl or pot barley, and 4 packages oxo beef broth powder that has been mixed with 6 cups boiling water.
Salt and pepper to taste and add one bay leaf.
Cover crock pot and cook on high for 1 hour and on low for 5-6 hours.
