slow cooker beef barley soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best slow cooker beef barley soup recipe

I’ve been making this slow cooker beef barley soup recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. We love the hearty, comforting flavors that fill the kitchen as it cooks all day in the slow cooker. The aroma of beef, vegetables, and barley simmering together is just irresistible.

I’ve served this soup at countless family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My kids especially love it because it’s so easy to make and they can just grab a bowl and go. I like that it’s a relatively healthy meal option too – the beef and barley provide plenty of protein and fiber, while the vegetables add some extra vitamins and minerals.

And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good soup on a chilly day? This recipe is one of my go-tos when I’m looking for something easy to make but still impressive for company. I first made this recipe years ago when I was looking for a way to use up some leftover beef stew meat.

I tossed it with some vegetables and barley, threw it in the slow cooker, and voila! A delicious, comforting soup that my whole family loved. Since then, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it even easier to prepare – just brown the beef and cook the vegetables in a pan before adding everything to the slow cooker.

It’s still a bit old-fashioned in terms of cooking techniques, but that’s part of its charm. One thing I love about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can use any type of beef you like – ground beef works well if you want something more budget-friendly – or even leave out the meat altogether if you’re serving vegetarians.

Add some extra veggies like carrots or potatoes if you want a thicker consistency, or try using different types of grains like quinoa or farro for a nutty flavor.

Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

4.5 from 1331 votes

This hearty soup is packed with tender beef, nutty barley, and vegetables. A comforting meal perfect for cold weather.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb beef stew meat, cut into chunks
1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
32 oz beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2Add beef chunks, season with salt and pepper.
3Cook until beef is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4Transfer beef to slow cooker.
5In the same skillet, add onion, carrots, and celery.
6Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
7Add garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
8Transfer vegetables to slow cooker.
9Add barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
10Stir to combine.
11Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until beef is tender and barley is cooked.
12Remove bay leaf before serving.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Cutting board
Knife
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add more vegetables like potatoes or green beans if you prefer a thicker soup. For a spicier soup add red pepper flakes.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup Works

The slow cooker beef barley soup is a versatile and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great meal to have on hand for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and it freezes well for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This soup is a hearty and nourishing meal that the whole family will enjoy. It is a perfect recipe for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend.

You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or add some spices to suit your taste. It is a great meal to have on hand for those days when you do not feel like cooking. This soup is a staple in our home, and I am excited to share it with you.

I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as we do.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?

A: Yes, you can use ground beef instead of stew meat if you prefer a leaner option. Just brown the ground beef in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.

Q: How long does this soup take to cook?

A: This soup cooks for about 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high in a slow cooker. You can also cook it on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing all the ingredients up to browning the beef and cooking the vegetables before adding everything to the slow cooker.

Q: What type of barley should I use?

A: You can use either pearl barley or hulled barley for this recipe. Pearl barley has been processed to remove its hulls, giving it a milder flavor and softer texture.

Q: How do I store leftover soup?

A: To store leftover soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

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