This recipe delivers a rich, flavorful beef barley soup, perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting weekend meal. Made entirely in your slow cooker, it requires minimal hands-on time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully throughout the day. Forget about complicated techniques – this recipe focuses on simple ingredients and maximum flavor.
What Makes This Crock Pot Beef Barley Soup Recipe Special?
This isn't your average beef barley soup. We've focused on building layers of flavor through careful ingredient selection and slow cooking. The result? A deeply satisfying soup that's both hearty and healthy. We'll use a combination of beef broth and diced tomatoes for depth, along with aromatic vegetables and pearl barley for texture. The slow cooking process allows the barley to soften perfectly, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the broth and other ingredients.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended): For a deeper, richer flavor, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This step helps to develop a delicious crust on the meat. Set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine in the Crock Pot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables and browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and bay leaf.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of barley?
While pearl barley is ideal for this recipe due to its texture and cooking time, you can experiment with other types like hulled barley or even farro. However, be aware that cooking times may vary. Hulled barley, for example, will require a significantly longer cooking time.
What if I don't have beef stew meat?
You can substitute with other cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or even short ribs. Just be aware that tougher cuts will require longer cooking times.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Sauté the vegetables and beef as directed, then transfer everything to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked barley against the side of the pot before serving. Alternatively, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Beef Barley Soup:
- Don't overcook the barley: Overcooked barley can become mushy. Follow the cooking time recommendations closely.
- Season to taste: Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, turnips, or parsnips.
- Make it your own: Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
This Crock Pot Beef Barley Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious and easy-to-make soup!
