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Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

A hearty, comforting slow cooker soup packed with tender beef, vegetables, and pearl barley simmered to perfection.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 bowls
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Soup Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil optional, for searing
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.75 cup pearl barley
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Optional: Sear beef in olive oil until browned.
  2. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to slow cooker.
  3. Add beef, barley, broth, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook on Low 7–8 hours or High 4–5 hours until beef is tender.
  5. Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and serve with fresh parsley.

Notes

Add extra broth when reheating, as barley absorbs liquid.