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Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

A hearty, comforting slow cooker soup made with tender beef, wholesome barley, and savory vegetables.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 2 lbs beef chuck cut into cubes
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 3 cups carrots chopped
  • 2 cups celery chopped
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife

Method
 

  1. Brown beef cubes in olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Transfer beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomato paste, and barley.
  4. Pour in beef broth and add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
  6. Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.

Notes

Add extra broth if soup thickens too much during cooking.