Good-Cooking - Beef Barley Stew, Crock Pot Version

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2 (14 ounce) cans peeled tomatoes, with juice
• 1 (14 ounce) can water
• 1/2 cup uncooked barley
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cooked and peeled potatoes, cut into chunks (optional)