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Crockpot Beef Barley Soup - featured image

Flavorful Crockpot Beef Barley Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

  • Author: Daphne
  • Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes (low) or 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A hearty and comforting soup made with tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and nutty barley, simmered in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, diced finely
  • 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear it in batches until browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per batch). Transfer the beef to your crockpot.
  2. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add tomato paste and stir until it’s evenly distributed.
  3. Transfer the vegetable mixture to the crockpot. Add the mushrooms, barley, thyme, bay leaf, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.
  5. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
  6. Spoon into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute barley with quinoa or rice. For a vegetarian version, replace beef with beans and use vegetable broth. Add kale or spinach during the last 30 minutes for extra greens. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
  • Category: Soup
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 750
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 6
  • Protein: 25

Keywords: Crockpot, Beef Barley Soup, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker, Hearty Soup, Meal Prep, Winter Recipe

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Find it online: https://fluentrecipes.com/flavorful-crockpot-beef-barley-soup-recipe-for-cozy-nights/