Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup
Description
A cozy, hearty slow-cooker soup made with tender beef, chewy barley, carrots, celery, onions, and savory herbs. It’s an easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy days and cold evenings.
Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours
- Total Time: 7–8 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (680 g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
- ¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the beef, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and mushrooms to the slow cooker.
- Add the rinsed barley.
- Pour in the beef broth and water.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, parsley, black pepper, and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Healthy Benefits
- Protein: Beef provides protein to support a satisfying meal.
- Fiber: Barley and vegetables provide dietary fiber.
- Whole grain: Barley adds complex carbohydrates and a pleasant chewy texture.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Pro Tip
For deeper flavor, quickly brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. Also, rinse the barley well before cooking.
Frequency
Enjoy this hearty soup 1–2 times per week as a comforting lunch or dinner.
Q/A
Q: Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes. Chuck roast or other slow-cooking beef cuts work well.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Let it cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Try peas, green beans, potatoes, mushrooms, or spinach.
Serve
Serve hot with:
- Crusty whole-grain bread
- A simple green salad
- Fresh parsley
- A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
Variations
- Mushroom Beef Barley: Add extra mushrooms for a richer flavor.
- Vegetable: Add peas, green beans, or extra carrots.
- Herb: Add rosemary and extra thyme.
- Lighter: Use lean beef and increase the vegetables.
Related Recipe Ideas
- Classic Beef Vegetable Soup
- Hearty Beef & Bean Soup
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Beef & Mushroom Soup
- Chicken Barley Soup
Final Thought
This Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup is simple, hearty, and comforting. The slow cooking makes the beef tender while the barley and vegetables turn it into a satisfying complete meal.
