Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup: A Hug in a Bowl

These slow cooker beef barley soup is a hearty delight, rich in savory flavors and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it an ideal choice for weeknight meals. You can whip up this cozy dish with minimal effort and let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, providing you with a warm dinner that the whole family will love.

As autumn arrives and the air turns crisp, there’s something inherently comforting about a pot of soup bubbling away in the kitchen. Memories flood in of chilly evenings spent with loved ones around the table, sharing stories and laughter while savoring each comforting spoonful. This beef barley soup is inspired by those moments, crafted for those who seek both nourishment and connection.

What Makes This Soup Special

This slow cooker beef barley soup is not just any bowl of soup. It’s a family-friendly recipe that can be made in one pot with simple ingredients, leaving you time to relax or tackle other chores. The tender beef, vibrant veggies, and hearty barley meld together beautifully, creating a dish that fills the belly and warms the heart.

How to Whip Up This Delicious Soup

Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

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• Author: oussama
• Total Time: 375 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A hearty slow cooker beef barley soup, rich in savory flavors and wholesome ingredients, perfect for weeknight meals.

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Ingredients

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• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1.5 pounds boneless lean beef, cubed
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 6 cups water, divided
• 3 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth
• 6 medium carrots, chopped
• 6 medium green onions, chopped
• 4 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 cup barley
• 0.5 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add beef and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
3. Add a few tablespoons of water to the skillet. Stir over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits with a spoon. Transfer this liquid and the browned bits to the slow cooker.
4. Add the remaining water, broth, carrots, green onions, celery, barley, and parsley. Cover and cook on Low until the vegetables and barley are tender, 6 to 8 hours.
5. Stir in the thyme just before serving.

Notes

For a thicker soup, you can let it simmer longer, or add additional broth or water, if you prefer it thinner. Feel free to use leftover vegetables to clean out your fridge.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 360 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1.5 pounds boneless lean beef, cubed
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 6 cups water, divided
• 3 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth
• 6 medium carrots, chopped
• 6 medium green onions, chopped
• 4 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 cup barley
• 0.5 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

1. Gather the ingredients.

2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add beef and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.

3. Add a few tablespoons of water to the skillet. Stir over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits with a spoon. Transfer this liquid and the browned bits to the slow cooker.

4. Add the remaining water, broth, carrots, green onions, celery, barley, and parsley. Cover and cook on Low until the vegetables and barley are tender, 6 to 8 hours.

5. Stir in the thyme just before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Family Gatherings

This comforting beef barley soup can be served with some warm crusty bread for dipping or paired with a simple side salad for a complete meal. It’s perfect for family gatherings or as a centerpiece for a cozy dinner.

Storing Leftovers for Future Enjoyment

If you find yourself with leftovers, fear not! Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for later enjoyment; just ensure to leave some room in the container for the soup to expand as it freezes.

Tips for Perfecting Your Soup

To make your beef barley soup even more delightful, try these tips:

• Choose a good-quality beef for the best flavor.
• Feel free to throw in any leftover vegetables you have on hand; it’s a great way to clean out your fridge.
• For a thicker soup, you can let it simmer longer, or if you like it thinner, add additional broth or water at the end.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is classic in its own right, you can easily switch things up. Add a splash of red wine for depth, mix in some mushrooms for an earthy addition, or toss in a handful of spinach at the end for a pop of color.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other grains instead of barley?
Absolutely! Quinoa or farro would work really well in this soup.

2. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free broth and choose gluten-free grains like quinoa.

3. Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Yes! Simply brown the beef in a pot, add the veggies, broth, and water, then simmer for about 1-2 hours until everything is tender.

Let this slow cooker beef barley soup become a staple in your home, as it warms not just your belly, but your heart too. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t forget to share it with loved ones!