Brown your beef in a pan, drain the fat and add to the slow cooker
Peel and dice all of your vegetables and add them to the slow cooker
Add your bay leaf, onion powder, garlic powder and oregano
Top with your liquid*
Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until your barley and vegetables are cooked through
Stir in soy sauce before, or after cooking
You may choose your liquid of choice: water, vegetable broth, beef broth, chicken broth etc. The more liquid you use, the more watery it will be. If you want less liquid then use closer to 3.5 cups. If more then use 4 or more cups.
I had baby carrots at the time and used those. I used about 15 or so baby carrots. Regular carrots work, as well.