This Slow Cooker Hearty Beef and Barley Soup is a robust, warming classic. Tender beef simmers with barley, carrots, and celery in a rich, savory broth—perfect for an easy beef crock pot recipe that’s filling and full of flavor.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Use stew meat or chuck—tough cuts tenderize over time; cut evenly for consistent texture. Sear the beef—it adds depth; skip if rushed, but it’s worth it. Rinse barley—it removes excess starch; prevents a gummy soup. Add veggies early—they soften into the broth; barley needs time to cook through. Cook on low—high can overcook barley; slow simmering builds hearty flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure, hearty goodness with this Slow Cooker Hearty Beef and Barley Soup—it’s a beef crock pot recipes champion and a crockpot recipes slow cooker star that’s about to become your new favorite for a warm, satisfying meal with zero hassle! This soup is a robust, comforting delight: tender beef slow-cooks with chewy barley, sweet carrots, and crisp celery in a rich, savory broth that’s thick and soul-warming—all while your slow cooker does the magic, letting you unwind until it’s time to ladle up. It’s the ultimate hands-off comfort food—just toss it in, let it simmer low and slow, and come home to a kitchen filled with a mouthwatering aroma and a soup so hearty it feels like a big, warm hug, with every spoonful bursting with tender beef, nutty barley, and that deep, savory flavor that hits all the right cozy spots. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner on a chilly night, feeding the family with ease, or just want an easy recipe that’s big on taste and comfort, this one’s an absolute winner—filling, delicious, and guaranteed to make every bite a delightful, stress-free treat that keeps you coming back for more!
Slow Cooker Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
Hearty beef and barley soup—crockpot warmth.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gear Up for Soup Comfort: Alright, let’s dive into this hearty, warming adventure—grab your slow cooker, a skillet, a cutting board, a sharp knife, tongs, and a big spoon! This beef and barley soup is about to make your day cozy and delicious. Picture that rich, savory bowl—let’s get started with a big, excited grin lighting up our faces!
- Prep the Beef with Tender Care: Take your 1.5 lbs beef stew meat—trim any excess fat, then cut it into 1-inch cubes with your knife on the cutting board. Sprinkle a hearty pinch of salt and pepper over the pieces, tossing them with your hands—imagine that beef soaking up all that savory goodness!
- Sear the Beef for Rich Flavor: Heat your skillet over medium-high—add 1 tbsp olive oil and let it shimmer, picturing that sizzle about to kick off! Add the beef cubes in a single layer, searing for 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown—use tongs to flip them, imagining those juices locking in for a hearty soup!
- Chop the Onion for Savory Depth: Grab your medium onion—peel off the skin, rinse it, and chop it into small pieces with your knife. Picture those sweet, soft bits blending into the broth—set them aside on your cutting board, dreaming of that soup flavor building up!
- Prep the Veggies for Hearty Bites: Take your 2 medium carrots—rinse them, then slice them into ½-inch rounds. Slice your 2 celery stalks the same way—imagine these colorful veggies softening into the soup! Pile them up with the onion, ready to layer into your slow cooker!
- Rinse the Barley for Perfect Texture: Measure ½ cup pearl barley—pour it into a fine mesh strainer and rinse well under cold water, running your fingers through it to remove starch. Picture that nutty, chewy goodness in every spoonful—set it aside, ready to join the hearty mix!
- Layer the Slow Cooker with Love: Open your slow cooker—spread the chopped onion across the bottom, creating a savory base. Add the seared beef cubes, then layer in the sliced carrots, celery, and rinsed barley—sprinkle 1 tsp dried thyme over it all—pour 4 cups beef broth over everything—imagine that rich, hearty broth coming together!
- Set the Slow Cooker for Cozy Magic: Pop the lid on tight—plug in your slow cooker and set it to low for 8-10 hours if you’re in for a slow, tender cook, or high for 4-5 hours if you’re eager to dig in! Hit start and step away—picture the kitchen filling with that beefy, barley aroma while you chill!
- Check and Season for Hearty Perfection: When the time’s up, lift the lid—inhale that rich, savory scent and use a spoon to test the beef and barley; they should be tender and chewy. Stir gently—taste the broth and adjust with salt and pepper if needed—picture that hearty goodness ready to warm your soul!
- Serve Up Your Soup Delight: Ladle that steaming soup into bowls—pile it high with tender beef, chewy barley, and soft veggies, savoring every spoonful of that rich, savory broth! Pair with crusty bread or enjoy solo—grab a spoon and dig in, relishing every cozy, effortless moment. It’s your crockpot masterpiece, so enjoy every delicious bite with a big, happy grin!
Notes
- Sear for depth—skipping it works but loses flavor, so it’s worth the quick step!
- Rinse barley—skipping this makes it gummy, so rinse well for perfect texture.
- Low heat wins—high can overcook barley, so slow cooking keeps it hearty and tender!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 210Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 84mgSodium 592mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 30g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
Beef stew meat is the hearty base—1.5 lbs offers about 40 grams of protein and 30 grams of fat, robust at 450 kcal with rich flavor. Pearl barley adds chewiness—½ cup has 24 grams of carbs, 100 kcal, nutty and filling. Carrots bring sweetness—2 medium have 12 grams of carbs, 50 kcal, tender and bright. Celery adds crunch—2 stalks have 6 grams of carbs, 30 kcal, savory and crisp. Onion provides depth—1 medium has 11 grams of carbs, 45 kcal, soft and sweet. Beef broth forms the base—4 cups have 4 grams of protein, 60 kcal, rich and savory. Thyme adds earthiness—negligible macros, warm and herby. Olive oil sears the meat—1 tbsp has 14 grams of fat, 120 kcal.
Variations and Substitutions
Swap stew meat for chuck roast or brisket—chuck (40g protein per 1.5 lbs), brisket (45g), both tenderize well. Use farro or brown rice instead of barley—farro (24g carbs per ½ cup), rice (22g), chewy or softer. Sub carrots with parsnips or turnips—parsnips (14g carbs per 2 medium), turnips (10g), earthier vibes. Replace celery with green beans or peas—green beans (7g carbs per cup), peas (14g), different textures. Add garlic or rosemary—garlic (1g carbs per clove), rosemary (negligible), for extra flavor. Use chicken broth instead of beef—1g protein per cup, 15 kcal, lighter taste.
Storage Options
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days—flavors meld; it’s even tastier reheated! Reheat on the stove over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring gently, or microwave for 2-3 minutes—add broth if it thickens. Freeze for up to 3 months—portion into containers, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat for a quick meal.
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