I fixed this today - both M & B said that they liked it better than Dinty Moore Beef Stew (served in recent memory) and B said that he liked it better than the usual poultry stew.
[ recipe] Beef Barley Stew combine in crock-pot, low heat - 1 16oz can crushed tomato 8 oz water 1 large onion, diced 1 clove garlic, chopped finely 1 tsp basil 1 tsp seasoned salt 1/4 tsp coarse ground pepper 1/2 cup barley 1 to 2 cups frozen corn 1/2 tsp sugar (to cut acid) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 lb beef, cut into small (1/2 inch) cubes Heat large skillet, add oil Mix together - 1/4 cup wheat flour 1/4 cup wheat bran seasoned salt pepper basil Coat meat cubes thoroughly with the flour mixture. Brown meat in skillet, 1/3 lb at a time. Transfer to crockpot. Cover pot, let simmer 8 to 10 hours.