Ingredients for 4 servings:
1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 1/2 lbs stew meat
3. 1 tablespoon black pepper
4. 1 tablespoon thyme
5. 1 tablespoon oregano
6. 1 bay leaf
7. 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
8. 3 cups beef broth
9. 1 cup dry red wine
10. 1 large onion, chopped
11. 4 garlic cloves, mashed
12. 1 (16 ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables, chopped (or your choice of fresh)
13. 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes seasoned with basil garlic & oregano, undrained
14. 3/4 cup barley, uncooked
15. 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
16. 8 ounces baby portabella mushrooms, sliced
17. 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced

Directions:
1. Sear meat in a frying pan with a little olive oil and put aside.
2. Place all the vegetables (except the mushrooms) into bottom of crockpot.
3. Pour barley over vegetables.
4. Add stew meat and all seasonings.
5. Add beef broth, wine, and can of diced tomatoes with italian herbs.
6. Cook on low for 6 hours and then add mushrooms, stir and cook on low one more hour.
7. Serve with crusty rolls or bread to sop up the last of the broth.

Enjoy your meal!