Place cubed beef in a stock pot or medium kettle on medium-high heat; season with salt and pepper; add garlic and onions; stir occasionally until onions are tender and beef is browned on all sides.
Add carrots and celery to pot; stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of pot; cook until vegetables have softened (~5 minutes).
Add broth, bay leaf, thyme and rosemary to pot; bring to a bubbly boil; reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 30 minutes.
Add barley and simmer until barley and vegetables are tender (~30 minutes more).
Remove bay leaf (or herb sachet); serve.