Description

This hearty Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. Tender beef cubes simmered with nutritious barley and fresh vegetables in a rich broth creates a satisfying meal that cooks effortlessly while you go about your day. Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly!

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 ½ pounds boneless lean beef, cubed
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
6 cups water, divided
3 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth
6 medium carrots, chopped
6 medium green onions, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup barley
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches until seared on all sides.
Transfer beef to slow cooker. Sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper.
Add 1 cup water to skillet to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Pour liquid into slow cooker.
Add remaining water, beef broth, carrots, green onions, celery, barley, parsley, and thyme to slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender and barley is cooked through.
Adjust seasoning if needed before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

Tips: For thicker soup, mash some vegetables against the pot wall before serving. Substitutions: Use pearl barley for quicker cooking or mushrooms for vegetarian version. Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months (barley will absorb more liquid when reheated).

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 480
Category: B
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (400g)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: comfort food, hearty, easy slow cooker meals