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–+ servings
Hearty Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup

Comforting Hearty Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

This Hearty Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings, blending tender beef and nutty barley into a satisfying bowl of warmth.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soups
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 pounds Chuck Roast can substitute with beef stew meat
  • 4 cups Beef Stock or Broth can use vegetable broth for a lighter version
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce can substitute with soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper adjust to taste
For the Veggies
  • 2 cups Potatoes can swap with sweet potatoes
  • 2 cups Carrots can substitute with parsnips
  • 1 medium Onion can replace with shallots
  • 2 stalks Celery omit if not preferred
For the Flavor Boost
  • 1 cup Pearl Barley can substitute with quinoa for gluten-free
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic can use garlic powder as alternative
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste can substitute with diced tomatoes
  • 3 sprigs Fresh Thyme dried herbs may be used if fresh unavailable
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches, searing each side for 1-2 minutes until browned.
  2. Assemble Ingredients: Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker. Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, diced onion, chopped celery, and pearl barley. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and ground black pepper, along with thyme and bay leaves.
  3. Add the Broth: Pour beef stock to cover all ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir gently and close the lid.
  4. Set the Cooker: Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Stir halfway through if desired.
  5. Final Seasoning: Remove bay leaves and thyme stems. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle soup into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy with crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This soup improves in flavor as it sits, making it a great make-ahead meal.

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