This Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup is a hearty and comforting classic that’s perfect for chilly days. Tender chunks of beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables simmer in a rich and flavorful broth, creating a satisfying and nourishing meal. And the best part? Your slow cooker does all the work!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Convenient: Simply toss all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it simmer to perfection. No fuss, no muss!
Flavorful and Hearty: This soup is packed with rich, savory flavors from the beef, vegetables, and barley. It’s a satisfying meal that will stick to your ribs.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of this soup and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze it for later.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious and easy soup:

Olive oil: Optional, for browning the beef.
Onion: Chopped, for flavor and texture.
Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
Carrots and celery: Sliced or diced, for added flavor, color, and nutrients.
Stew meat: Cut into small pieces for even cooking.
Reduced-sodium beef broth: Forms the base of the flavorful broth.
Diced tomatoes: Undrained, adds richness and texture.
Pearled barley: Adds a chewy texture and heartiness to the soup.
Onion soup mix: Adds a blend of savory flavors.
Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish and a touch of freshness.
Salt and black pepper: To taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional)

If you have time, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the stew meat with salt and pepper, then brown it on all sides. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Place the beef (browned or unbrowned), chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots and celery, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), barley, and onion soup mix into your slow cooker. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Cook and Season

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked. Cooking on low is recommended for optimal flavor and texture. Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use good quality beef: The better the beef, the better the flavor of the soup.
Adjust the liquid: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more broth.
Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans, to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

Cozy Weeknight Meal: This Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup is perfect for a warm and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Game Day Snack: Serve it as a hearty and satisfying snack for game day gatherings.
Potluck Favorite: This soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to transport and serve at potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a bit of extra broth if the soup has thickened.

Freezing

Let the soup cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

FAQs

Can I use quick-cooking barley instead of pearled barley?
Yes, you can use quick-cooking barley, but you’ll need to reduce the cooking time.

Can I make this soup without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make it on the stovetop over low heat, simmering for about 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.

Can I add other herbs and spices to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other herbs, such as bay leaves or thyme, or spices like paprika or garlic powder.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add lentils or beans for extra protein.

There you have it! A hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipe for Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup that’s perfect for chilly days and busy schedules. Enjoy!

Evelyn

Hey, I'm Evelyn! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup Recipe