Description
This Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Tender beef, hearty barley, and a medley of vegetables simmer in a rich and flavorful broth, making it a satisfying and easy-to-prepare meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Produce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced or diced
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Protein
- 2 pounds stew meat, cut into small pieces
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning beef)
- 8 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes with juices
- 3/4 cup pearled barley
- 1 ounce onion soup mix
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown Beef (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper and brown on all sides. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the beef, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), barley, and onion soup mix into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked. Cooking on LOW is recommended for optimal results.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra broth if needed.
- Freezing: Let the soup cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use beef bone broth.
- Add other vegetables, such as diced potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans.
- For a thicker soup, add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of the cooking time.
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 300kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg