Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and flavorful vegetables, it’s effortless to prepare and satisfying to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the beef stew meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, chopped celery, barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.
- Step 3: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth of flavor, brown the beef stew meat in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms for variety.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add a little less broth or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through. This soup also freezes well—freeze in individual portions and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pearl barley instead of hulled barley?
Yes, pearl barley is more common and will cook faster, making it a great choice for this recipe.
Is it possible to make this soup on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
You can simmer the ingredients in a large pot on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and barley is cooked.
Print
Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Hearty and comforting Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup combines tender beef stew meat, nutritious barley, and a medley of vegetables simmered slowly with herbs and beef broth to create a flavorful, warming dish perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cube the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic cloves for even cooking and enhanced flavor.
- Combine in Crockpot: Place the cubed beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots and celery, barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Soup: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6 to 7 hours, or alternatively on high for 3 to 4 hours. Cook until the beef is tender and barley is fully cooked, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting taste.
Notes
- For thicker soup, reduce the beef broth to 3 cups or let the soup cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Barley can be substituted with pearl barley for quicker cooking.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially if using store-bought beef broth which can be salty.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.
- For a richer flavor, sear the beef stew meat in a pan before adding to the crockpot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crockpot beef soup, barley soup, slow cooker recipes, beef stew, hearty soup, easy crockpot meals
