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Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

A hearty, comforting slow-cooked soup with tender beef, wholesome barley, and savory vegetables simmered to perfection.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 bowls
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

Soup
  • 1.5 lbs beef stew meat cut into chunks
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 carrots sliced
  • 3 celery stalks sliced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for browning, optional

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Brown beef in olive oil over medium-high heat, if desired.
  2. Add beef to slow cooker along with carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and barley.
  3. Pour in beef broth and water.
  4. Stir in Worcestershire, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
  6. Remove bay leaf and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Serve hot with fresh parsley or parmesan.

Notes

Barley thickens soup significantly; add extra broth if reheating leftovers.