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Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

4.9 from 59 reviews

This hearty Crockpot Beef & Barley Soup is a comforting and nourishing meal perfect for any day. Tender beef cubes simmered slowly with fresh vegetables, beef broth, and quick pearl barley create a rich and flavorful soup. Easy to prepare and slow-cooked for hours, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction straight from your slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Broth

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 6 cups beef broth

Vegetables

  • 3 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
  • 2 celery stalks (diced)
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Add-ins

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup quick pearl barley

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Add beef to slow cooker: Place the beef stew meat or chuck roast cubes into your slow cooker, ensuring even distribution for consistent cooking.
  2. Add vegetables: Stir in the peeled and diced carrots, diced celery stalks, chopped onion, and minced garlic evenly over the beef.
  3. Pour in liquids and tomato paste: Add the beef broth and tomato paste to the slow cooker and mix gently to combine all ingredients.
  4. Add seasonings: Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring well so that the flavors start to meld.
  5. Slow cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and flavors are fully developed.
  6. Add barley: About 30 to 45 minutes before you plan to serve, stir the quick pearl barley into the soup to cook through and slightly thicken the broth.
  7. Finish cooking: Cover again and continue cooking until the barley is tender and the soup has thickened, perfect for a hearty consistency.
  8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Adjust salt to taste depending on the sodium content of your beef broth.
  • Quick pearl barley cooks faster than traditional barley, making it ideal for slow cooker recipes.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Make sure to cut beef into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking throughout.

Keywords: beef barley soup, crockpot soup, slow cooker recipes, hearty soup, easy beef soup