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Setting the right cooking time and temperature is vital for achieving the best results with your Hearty Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup. The versatility of the slow cooker allows you to choose between two main settings – low and high heat – depending on your schedule.

Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup

Warm up your kitchen with the comforting aroma of Hearty Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup. This delicious recipe features tender beef, nutritious pearl barley, and a medley of vibrant vegetables that create a rich and hearty meal perfect for any occasion. With minimal hands-on prep, this slow cooker recipe is ideal for busy families. Enjoy a bowl filled with flavor and nourishment that brings everyone together. Discover how to make it with our step-by-step guide!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup pearl barley, rinsed

4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)

2 cups water

1 cup carrots, diced (fresh or frozen)

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup onion, diced (preferably yellow or white)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, incorporate the beef cubes and season them with salt and pepper to taste. Sear the beef for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until evenly browned on all sides. This browning step is crucial as it enhances the flavor profile of your soup.

    Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, layer in the browned beef. Add the rinsed barley, diced carrots, diced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juices). Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary, and toss in the bay leaf. Carefully pour in the beef broth and water to cover the ingredients.

      Season: Gently stir the mixture to distribute all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as per your preference.

        Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the heat to low and let it cook for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. The soup is ready when the beef is fork-tender and the barley has absorbed the flavors and is cooked through.

          Final Touches: After the cooking time ends, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

            Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. This hearty beef and barley soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light side salad for a complete meal!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 8-10 hours | 6 servings