Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup

A well-crafted beef and barley soup is built on a foundation of quality ingredients. Each component serves a specific purpose, contributing to the overall flavor, texture, and nutrition of the dish.

Warm up with a bowl of Hearty Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup, the perfect comfort food for chilly days. This easy-to-make soup combines tender beef chuck, nutritious pearl barley, and a medley of vegetables, creating a nourishing meal that fills both body and soul. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a rich, flavorful soup that develops its deliciousness over hours. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a classic dish that will become a favorite.

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Ingredients

1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup pearl barley, rinsed

4 cups beef broth (low sodium)

2 cups water

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 medium carrots, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the beef chuck to the skillet and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

In the bottom of your slow cooker, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms.

Sprinkle the rinsed pearl barley evenly over the vegetables.

Add the browned beef, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper.

Pour the beef broth and water over the mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring that the ingredients are fully submerged.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.

Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot, enjoying the comforting flavors of this wholesome soup!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 6-8