Introduction
Crockpot Beef Barley Soup is a timeless comfort dish that brings together tender beef, wholesome barley, and warm vegetables simmered slowly for deep, rich flavor. This hearty soup fits busy schedules while delivering homemade taste with minimal hands-on cooking. Whether you’re seeking a comforting weeknight dinner or a freezer-friendly meal prep option, Crockpot Beef Barley Soup offers a nourishing balance of protein, whole grains, and vegetables.
Because the slow cooker does most of the work, Crockpot Beef Barley Soup becomes a reliable choice for families, especially on chilly fall and winter evenings. Its rustic flavor profile, combined with simple ingredients, makes it one of the most dependable classics among slow cooker soup recipes.
Table of Contents
Crockpot Beef Barley Soup (Easy Slow Cooker Beef Barley Recipe)
- Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A hearty crockpot beef barley soup with tender shredded beef, vegetables, and rich broth slow-cooked for comforting flavor.
Ingredients
1.5–2 lbs chuck roast
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup pearl barley
8 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt & pepper to taste
1–2 cups diced potatoes (optional)
Instructions
1. Add beef, vegetables, barley, broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaves to crockpot.
2. Cook on LOW 8–10 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours.
3. Remove beef, shred, and return to soup.
4. Stir well and season to taste.
5. Serve hot with optional roasted vegetables.
Notes
For deeper flavor, sear beef before slow cooking.
Soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 8 hrs
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Crockpot Beef Barley Soup
Below is a detailed list of ingredients needed for the recipe, arranged in a clear and organized table.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Beef chuck roast | 1.5–2 lbs |
| Carrots, chopped | 1 cup |
| Celery, chopped | 1 cup |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Pearl barley | 3/4 cup |
| Beef broth | 8 cups |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Potatoes, diced (optional) | 1–2 cups |
| Roasted carrots or potatoes (optional) | As desired |
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Chop carrots, celery, onion, and optional potatoes. Mince garlic. Trim excess fat from the chuck roast but leave enough for flavor.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place the beef roast in the center of the slow cooker. Surround it with chopped vegetables. Add barley, tomato paste, Worcestershire, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Pour broth evenly over the ingredients.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours. The beef should become tender enough to shred with a fork.
Step 4: Shred the Beef
Remove the roast using tongs, shred it, and return the beef to the soup. Stir to combine and taste for seasoning.
Step 5: Optional Flavor Enhancers
Add roasted carrots, roasted potatoes, or an extra splash of Worcestershire for additional depth. Cook another 15–20 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 6: Serve
Remove bay leaves. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or a green salad.
Helpful Tips
Tip 1: Choose the Right Cut of Beef
Chuck roast offers the best shredding texture and flavor for Crockpot Beef Barley Soup.
Tip 2: Avoid Overcooking Barley
Pearl barley holds up well in the slow cooker, but avoid par-cooked barley because it can become mushy.
Tip 3: Enhance Flavor with Browning (Optional)
If time allows, sear the beef before placing it in the slow cooker.
Tip 4: Make It Healthier
Use low-sodium beef broth and bulk up the vegetables to create a nutrient-rich bowl.
Tip 5: Storage & Freezing
This soup stores up to four days in the refrigerator and freezes well for up to three months.
Conclusion
Crockpot Beef Barley Soup remains a classic slow cooker recipe because it delivers unmatched comfort, hearty grains, and slow-simmered beef without requiring complicated preparation. Its versatility makes it ideal for weeknight meals, winter gatherings, or prepping ahead for busy days. With its tender shredded beef, healthy barley, and rich broth, this recipe offers both nutrition and nostalgia in every bowl.
H2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Crockpot Beef Barley Soup without potatoes?
Yes, the soup is delicious with or without potatoes. Barley provides enough body to keep the soup hearty.
2. Can I substitute pearl barley with another grain?
Yes, farro or brown rice can be used, though cooking times may vary.
3. How do I keep barley from absorbing too much liquid?
Use at least 8 cups of broth and avoid cooking on HIGH for longer than needed.
4. Can I make Crockpot Beef Barley Soup with ground beef?
Yes, but the texture will differ. Brown the ground beef first before adding it to the crockpot.