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Cozy Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup Recipe for Easy Comfort

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A hearty and comforting soup featuring tender beef, chewy barley, and a medley of vegetables in a rich broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round steak, cut into chunks)
  • 1 cup pearl or hulled barley
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if necessary.
  2. Transfer the browned beef to your Crockpot. Add the barley, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cover the Crockpot with its lid and set it on low. Cook for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
  6. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and pair with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

[‘Don’t skip browning the beef for added flavor.’, ‘Layer ingredients in the Crockpot for even cooking.’, ‘Adjust barley type based on preferred texture.’, ‘Use fresh thyme for enhanced flavor.’, ‘Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking for better flavor melding.’, ‘Add Worcestershire sauce or chili flakes for a flavor twist.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: beef soup, barley soup, crockpot recipe, comfort food, hearty soup, slow cooker recipe, family dinner, meal prep, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/cozy-crockpot-beef-and-barley-soup-recipe-for-easy-comfort/