Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup

One of the major advantages of using a slow cooker for your Hearty Beef & Barley Soup is the convenience it offers in terms of timing. Preparing this dish requires minimal effort, and the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect during the cooking process:

Warm up your chilly evenings with this Hearty Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup, a comforting classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with tender beef, nutritious barley, and a medley of vegetables, this robust soup delivers deep flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare. Just sear the beef, sauté the aromatics, combine everything in a slow cooker, and let it simmer. Enjoy a meal that nourishes the body and soul while filling your home with a delightful aroma!

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) beef chuck, diced into 1-inch cubes

1 cup pearl barley, rinsed

4 cups beef broth (low sodium)

2 cups water

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, diced

2 medium potatoes, diced

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prep the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the seared beef, sautéed onion and garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, barley, diced tomatoes (with juice), thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, broth, and water.

Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to distribute all ingredients evenly.

Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for about 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The soup is done when the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.

Finish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

15 minutes | 8 hours | Serves 6-8