Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup is a warm, hearty dish perfect for chilly days. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully while making your kitchen smell amazing. This comforting soup fills your home with an inviting smell that draws family and friends to the table. With tender chunks of beef and nutritious vegetables combined with chewy barley, every spoonful warms your heart. If you’re looking for an easy-to-make meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition, this recipe is for you.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup Recipe
There are countless reasons why this Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup holds a special place in so many hearts. For starters, the ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. You can throw everything into your slow cooker and let it do all the work for you—no constant stirring or monitoring required! The flavors develop beautifully, providing a satisfying taste that lingers even after your last bite. Plus, this recipe is quite versatile; you can customize it to your family’s preferences. Whether you prefer more veggies or additional seasonings, the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup
Here’s what you will need to create this delicious soup:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 1 cup barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach or kale (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup Directions
Preparing this Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup is as easy as it gets. Start by gathering all your ingredients. In your slow cooker, combine the beef stew meat, barley, beef broth, diced carrots, chopped onion, diced celery, canned tomatoes, minced garlic, and dried thyme. The next step is to sprinkle in some salt and pepper; don’t be shy! Stir everything together to make sure all the ingredients are well mixed.
Now, cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for around 4 hours. The long cooking time allows the beef to become incredibly tender, while the barley will soak up all the savory goodness. Check back occasionally to avoid overcooking, but with the magic of slow cookers, you can pretty much set it and forget it!
If you plan to add spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost, do so during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This ensures they retain their vibrant color and nutritional value. When the timer goes off, you’ll find a hearty, delicious soup that you can savor with family and friends.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup
The beauty of this soup is in its simplicity, making it a perfect one-pot meal. Serve it hot, straight from the slow cooker, with a generous serving in each bowl. For a delightful touch, you may want to have some crusty bread or buttery rolls on the side to soak up all that rich broth. If you want to elevate the presentation, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top of the soup just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh aromatic note. Enjoy the soup piping hot, accompanied by a cozy atmosphere, and prepare to relish every comforting spoonful!
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup
To make your soup even better, consider these expert tips. First, for enhanced flavor, you can sear the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds a depth of flavor and richness to your soup. Also, feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Adding bell peppers or peas can offer a sweeter taste or additional texture.
Don’t forget to taste the broth before serving! You may find that it needs a touch more salt or a sprinkle of additional dried thyme for that extra flavor kick. If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the barley against the sides of the cooker. This will help thicken the broth without needing to add any flour or cornstarch.
Lastly, remember that the soup will thicken as it cools, so it’s a good idea to keep some extra broth on hand. This way, you can adjust the consistency to your liking when ready to serve.
How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup
Leftovers from this mouthwatering soup can be easily stored in the fridge or freezer. If you plan to enjoy it within the next few days, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Your soup will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy your leftover soup, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy a quick and easy home-cooked meal, even on your busiest days!
Variation of Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup
There are numerous ways to customize this recipe to match your taste or dietary needs. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use lean beef or even substitute chicken to create a poultry-based barley soup. For added freshness, consider tossing in more vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or potatoes early in the cooking process.
If you enjoy a bit of spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to give it a kick. For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar; these will enhance the overall taste profile.
You can also play around with different grains. Quinoa or farro can be used in place of barley for a different texture and taste. The key is to have fun in the kitchen and adjust the ingredients to fit what you have on hand or what your family enjoys most!
FAQ
What is Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup?
Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup is a hearty and comforting dish made with tender beef, vegetables, and barley, cooked slowly to enhance the flavors.
How long do I cook Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup?
You can cook the soup on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
Can I add other vegetables to Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup?
Yes, feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers or potatoes, to enhance the nutrition and flavor of the soup.
Is it okay to freeze Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup?
Absolutely! Let the soup cool, then store it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
How can I thicken Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the barley against the sides of the cooker or add a small amount of additional broth as needed.
Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into cubes Use lean beef if desired.
- 1 cup barley Can substitute with quinoa or farro for variation.
- 4 cups beef broth Homemade or store-bought is fine.
- 2 pieces carrots, diced Add more for extra sweetness if desired.
- 1 piece onion, chopped Use yellow or white onion for best results.
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes Drained or undrained based on preference.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adjust quantity to taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Use fresh thyme for a stronger flavor if available.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season according to your preference.
- 2 cups spinach or kale (optional) Add in the last 30 minutes of cooking for vibrancy.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients.
- In your slow cooker, combine the beef stew meat, barley, beef broth, diced carrots, chopped onion, diced celery, canned tomatoes, minced garlic, and dried thyme.
- Sprinkle in salt and pepper, then stir to combine all ingredients well.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for around 4 hours.
- If adding spinach or kale, do so during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Check occasionally to avoid overcooking.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Accompany with crusty bread or buttery rolls.
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