Oh, I just *love* a good slow cooker meal, don’t you? There’s nothing better than coming home after a long day to a house filled with the aroma of something delicious simmering away. And let me tell you, this Crockpot Beef Barley Soup is just the ticket! It’s hearty, it’s comforting, and it’s ridiculously easy to make – perfect for those busy weeknights when you just can’t be bothered. I’ve been making this recipe for years, tweaking it here and there until it was *just* right. I promise, even the pickiest eaters will gobble it up. The tender beef, the chewy barley, the sweet carrots… mmm! It’s a real winner. Plus, it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. I know I almost always do!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef Barley Soup
Okay, so why *should* you make this Crockpot Beef Barley Soup? Let me tell you, it’s not just tasty, it’s a lifesaver! Here’s the lowdown:
- Super easy to prep – seriously, just chop and drop!
- The slow cooker does all the work.
- It’s packed with rich, comforting flavor.
- Totally hearty and filling – a meal in a bowl!
- Makes great leftovers (if there are any!).
Set It and Forget It Crockpot Beef Barley Soup
I mean, who doesn’t love a good “set it and forget it” meal? This Crockpot Beef Barley Soup is exactly that. You just toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ve got a delicious, home-cooked meal waiting for you. Minimal effort, maximum flavor – that’s my kind of cooking!
Hearty and Flavorful Crockpot Beef Barley Soup
This isn’t some wimpy soup, folks. This Crockpot Beef Barley Soup is *hearty*! The tender beef, the chewy barley, and all those veggies simmering together create a flavor explosion in your mouth. It’s savory, it’s comforting, and it’s guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. Trust me, it’s a winner!
Ingredients for Your Crockpot Beef Barley Soup
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Crockpot Beef Barley Soup. Don’t skimp on the details – it makes a difference!
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 to 1 1/2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow or sweet onion, peeled and diced
- 2 ribs celery, sliced and cut into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp Better than Bouillon beef base
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups beef broth or stock
- 2/3 cup pearl barley
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Crockpot Beef Barley Soup
Okay, listen up, because this is where you can get a little creative! Don’t have chuck roast? No problem! Beef stew meat works great too. As for potatoes, I usually use Yukon Golds, but Russets are totally fine. And hey, if you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme will do in a pinch – just use about 1 teaspoon. The Better than Bouillon is my secret weapon for extra beefy flavor, but you can skip it and just add more salt if you need to. Don’t worry, I won’t tell!
How to Prepare Crockpot Beef Barley Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get cooking! This Crockpot Beef Barley Soup is so simple, I promise you can’t mess it up. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal in no time. I like to read through the whole recipe once before I start, just so I know what’s coming. You’ll want to have all your veggies chopped and ready to go. Makes life easier, trust me!
Preparing the Beef for Crockpot Beef Barley Soup
Now, you *can* skip this step if you’re really short on time, but I highly recommend browning your beef first. It just adds so much extra flavor! Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the beef cubes on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of brown. We want that nice, seared flavor!
Assembling the Crockpot Beef Barley Soup
Alright, time to dump everything into the slow cooker! Add the browned beef (or the raw beef, if you skipped the browning), potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, tomato paste, beef base, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaves, beef broth, and barley. Give it all a good stir to combine. Don’t worry about layering anything perfectly – it all cooks together in the end!
Cooking Your Crockpot Beef Barley Soup to Perfection
Now for the easy part! Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The beef should be super tender and the barley should be cooked through. I always check the beef with a fork to make sure it’s falling apart easily. If not, give it another hour or so. Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems before serving. And that’s it! You did it!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Barley Soup
Want to take your Crockpot Beef Barley Soup from good to *amazing*? Here’s a few tricks I’ve learned over the years. First, always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end. You might need a little more salt or pepper, depending on your broth. And don’t be afraid to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor! Seriously, it makes a difference.
Avoiding Mushy Barley in Your Crockpot Beef Barley Soup
Nobody likes mushy barley! If you’re worried about it getting too soft, you can add it halfway through the cooking time, or even cook it separately on the stovetop and then add it to the slow cooker at the end. I usually just toss it in with everything else, but hey, I like my barley pretty soft!
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Beef Barley Soup
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Crockpot Beef Barley Soup, but what do you serve with it? My go-to is always a big hunk of crusty bread for dipping. A simple side salad is also a great option for a little something fresh. Or, if you’re feeling extra cozy, grilled cheese sandwiches are *amazing* with this soup. Seriously, try it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Beef Barley Soup
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get about this delicious Crockpot Beef Barley Soup. Don’t be shy – if you’ve got a burning question, leave it in the comments below!
Can I freeze Crockpot Beef Barley Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave a little room at the top, since liquids expand when frozen. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, just pop it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Can I make Crockpot Beef Barley Soup on the stovetop?
Yep, you sure can! If you don’t have a slow cooker, or you’re just in a hurry, you can easily adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Just combine all the ingredients in a large pot or Dutch oven, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender. Just keep an eye on the liquid level and add more broth if needed.
What kind of beef is best for Crockpot Beef Barley Soup?
I usually use chuck roast because it gets super tender and flavorful in the slow cooker. But you can also use beef stew meat, or even a less expensive cut like brisket. Just make sure to trim off any excess fat before cooking. The longer it simmers, the more tender it will get!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Your Crockpot Beef Barley Soup
Okay, so you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!). Just let the Crockpot Beef Barley Soup cool down, then pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it or warm it up on the stovetop. I sometimes add a splash of broth if it’s gotten a little thick. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Crockpot Beef Barley Soup
Okay, quick disclaimer: nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use. So, don’t take this as gospel, okay?
Enjoy Your Delicious Crockpot Beef Barley Soup!
Alright, that’s it! I hope you love this Crockpot Beef Barley Soup as much as I do. Seriously, let me know what you think in the comments below! And don’t forget to rate the recipe – it helps other folks find it. Happy cooking!
Print
Disgustingly Easy Crockpot Beef Barley Soup In 8 Hours
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Comforting beef barley soup made easy in the slow cooker. Features tender beef, vegetables, and perfectly textured barley.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 to 1 1/2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow or sweet onion, peeled and diced
- 2 ribs celery, sliced and cut into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp better than bouillon beef base
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups beef broth or stock
- 2/3 cup pearl barley
Instructions
- Brown beef cubes in a skillet if desired.
- Add beef and all remaining ingredients to slow cooker and stir.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours.
- Remove bay leaves and thyme stems.
- Serve with crusty bread.
Notes
- For firmer barley, add it halfway through slow cooker time or cook separately.
- Adjust seasoning if not using Better than Bouillon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 378
