This Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup is hearty, comforting, and perfect for chilly days. Made with tender beef, wholesome barley, and plenty of vegetables, it’s a healthy crockpot soup that’s easy to prepare and full of rich flavor. Ideal for meal prep or cozy family dinners. Discover the full recipe.
Ingredients
Everything you need for this hearty slow cooker soup is listed below.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oil | 1 Tbsp |
| Beef stewing meat | 1 lb |
| Onion, finely diced | 1 small |
| Minced garlic | 2 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Carrots, chopped | 3 large |
| Celery ribs, chopped | 2 |
| Pearl or pot barley, rinsed | ½ cup |
| Tomato paste | 2 Tbsp |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Low-sodium beef broth | 4 cups |
| Fresh parsley | For serving |
Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup
- Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Hearty slow cooker beef barley soup made with tender beef, vegetables, and wholesome barley.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp oil
1 lb beef stewing meat
1 small onion, diced
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp black pepper
3 carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
½ cup barley
2 Tbsp tomato paste
2 bay leaves
4 cups beef broth
Fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
1. Brown beef and add to slow cooker.
2. Sauté onion and garlic with seasonings.
3. Add vegetables, barley, tomato paste, and bay leaves.
4. Pour in beef broth.
5. Cook on low or high until tender.
6. Season and serve.
Notes
Remove bay leaves before serving.
Add extra broth if soup thickens.
Freezes well.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and let it heat for about 1 minute. Brown the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Transfer the browned beef to a 4–6 quart slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until translucent, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Stir in the garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Assemble the Soup
Add the onion mixture to the slow cooker along with the carrots, celery, barley, tomato paste, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour in the beef broth and stir again so everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and the barley and vegetables are fully cooked.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove bay leaves. Stir in fresh parsley if desired and adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Browning the beef adds deeper flavor
- Barley thickens the soup as it cooks
- Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort meal made easy. With tender beef, hearty barley, and nourishing vegetables, it’s a wholesome soup that’s perfect for cold days, meal prep, or family dinners. Simple ingredients and slow cooking come together to create a satisfying soup you’ll want to make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can beef barley soup be frozen?
Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen carrots or mixed vegetables can be used.
3. Does barley thicken soup?
Yes, barley naturally thickens the soup as it cooks.
4. What goes well with beef barley soup?
Crusty bread, rolls, or a side salad pair well.