Beef Barley Soup

Add the beef stew meat, diced onion, minced garlic, and olive oil to a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until the stew meat is just browned.

Transfer the stew meat mixture to a large soup pot.

Add the sliced carrots, sliced celery, beef broth, petite diced tomatoes, diced green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, beef gravy mix, bay leaf, and 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme to the soup pot.

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat. Simmer for 45 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally.

Add the barley and simmer for an additional 45 minutes, uncovered, or until the beef is tender. Once the stew is finished simmering, remove the bay leaf and thyme from the pot. Serve immediately.