This works best in a minimum 5-quart slow cooker

Substitute wheat, spelt or Kamut berries for the barley if desired, all ingredients may be adjusted to taste.

Servings 6-8

INGREDIENTS:

6-8 slices bacon
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon seasoned salt or white salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 pounds stewing beef (cut into about 1-inch cubes)
2 medium onions, chopped
1 large rib, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped (use more if desired)
2 bay leaves
grated zest and juice of 1 orange
1-1/2 cups barley (rinsed and drained)
3 cups canned beef broth
1 cup red wine
1 (5-1/2 ounce) can tomato paste
fresh ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:——————————————————- (more…)

Make this as spicy as you desire by adjusting the crushed red chili flakes, use your own favorite meatball recipe for this, a 5-quart crockpot is needed for this.

Servings 6

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound lean ground beef (prepared with your favorite meatball recipe, or use my Italian meatball recipe posted on this site)

3 tablespoons cornstarch

3 teaspoons sugar

1 cup canned beef broth

2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes

2 large carrots, peeled and diced

1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

1 envelope dry onion soup mix

1 teaspoon dried basil

3-4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)

INSTRUCTIONS:—————————————–

In a bowl season the ground beef using you favorite recipe, then shape into 1-inch balls.

Place the meatballs into a 5-quart crockpot.

In a large bowl combine the cornstarch with sugar and broth until smooth.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced carrots, tomato paste, dry soup mix, garlic, basil and red pepper flakes; mix to combine then season with black pepper (since the dry soup mix already has a high sodium content I would advise to omit the addition of salt until after cooking).

Pour the sauce over the meatballs (do not move/mix the meatballs or they will break apart).

Cover and cook on low setting for about 5-6 hours.

Serve with cooked pasta