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Cozy Crockpot Beef and Vegetable Soup with Barley

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A hearty and comforting slow cooker soup featuring tender chuck roast, pearl barley, and classic vegetables. This easy-to-make meal provides a warm, soul-soothing experience perfect for cold weather.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup optional greens (spinach or kale)
  • 1 tbsp oil (for searing)

Instructions

  1. Pat the cubed beef dry with paper towels. If searing, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. Chop the carrots, celery, and onion into rough chunks. Mince the garlic. Add all chopped vegetables and garlic to the slow cooker on top of the beef.
  3. Sprinkle dried thyme and bay leaves over the vegetables. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours (or HIGH for 4-5 hours).
  5. Stir the pearl barley into the soup during the last 45-60 minutes of cooking. Cover and continue cooking until the barley is tender but still has a bite.
  6. Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If adding greens, stir them in now and let wilt. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

Do not add barley at the beginning of cooking as it will become mushy. Searing the beef adds significant flavor depth. If the soup becomes too thick after storing, add extra broth or water when reheating. Barley absorbs liquid, so the soup may thicken upon standing.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, beef and barley soup, crockpot recipe, winter comfort food, easy dinner, healthy soup

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/cozy-crockpot-beef-and-vegetable-soup-with-barley/