Warm up your kitchen and your soul with a bowl of hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup! This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a delightful blend of tender beef, wholesome barley, and vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic while you go about your day. Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of a savory soup that’s not only delicious but also nourishing. Ready to discover how to create this culinary masterpiece? Read on for the full recipe and tips to make it your own!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 cup barley
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the beef stew meat and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes if not already prepared.
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping: dice the onion, slice the carrots into half-inch rounds, chop the celery stalks, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Place the cubed beef into the slow cooker as the first layer, creating an even base.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic on top of the beef.
- Sprinkle the dried thyme over the vegetables and meat for additional flavor.
- Pour the beef broth slowly into the slow cooker, ensuring it covers most of the ingredients.
- Add the pearl barley, distributing it evenly throughout the mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, check the tenderness of the beef and the barley. Stir gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of beef, vegetables, and barley.
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: Opt for well-marbled beef stew meat for the best flavor and tenderness. Trim any excess fat to prevent greasiness in your soup.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper when seasoning the beef. This step is crucial for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. This will save you time in the morning and make the cooking process even smoother.
- Layering Matters: When adding ingredients to the slow cooker, layer them properly. Start with the beef, then add the vegetables, and finish with the broth and barley to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the barley or add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth or water.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick.
- Garnish for Flair: Serve your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a gourmet touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 65mg
