Vegetables and barley enrich this hearty made with oxtails (beef tails) and loaded with beef. This two-step process begins in the crock pot and finishes on the stove to coax all of the delicious beef flavors from the oxtails. Feel free to use your favorite vegetables and give the soup a liberal dose of freshly ground black pepper for a little kick. This is comfort food at its best and the most flavorful vegetable beef soup you have ever had. If you are unable to find oxtails, you may substitute short ribs, but the flavor will not be as rich.