This hearty Crock Pot Beef Barley Soup is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender stewing beef, chewy barley, vegetables, and savory herbs, this slow-cooked soup offers delicious flavors with minimal effort. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a complete meal!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 lb stewing beef (chuck roast), trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 brown onion, chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2-3 sticks celery, sliced

• 1 carrot, diced

• 1 cup passata (or fire-roasted tomatoes, or chunky tomatoes)

• 1 tsp ground paprika

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp oregano

• 6 cups beef broth

• 1 cup uncooked barley (hulled or pearl)

• ¼ cup parsley, chopped

• 1 cup diced potato

• 1 ½ cups cremini mushrooms, sliced

• Sea salt or kosher salt to taste

• 1-2 tbsp cooking oil

• 2-3 bay leaves

• Black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: In a large skillet, heat some cooking oil and brown the mushrooms until golden brown. Set them aside.

2. Sear the Beef: In the same skillet, add more oil and sear the beef chunks over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes per side.

3. Cook in Crock Pot: Transfer the browned beef and mushrooms to a 4.5-quart slow cooker. Add the onions, garlic, celery, carrots, passata, paprika, cumin, oregano, beef broth, barley, potatoes, mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Cook: Cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.

5. Finish: Once cooked, remove the bay leaves, stir in parsley, and serve hot with fresh parsley and optional sour cream or grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 696 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Protein: 16g

• Fat: 65g

• Saturated Fat: 33g

• Cholesterol: 170mg

• Sodium: 2251mg

• Potassium: 552mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 10g

• Vitamin A: 6715 IU

• Vitamin C: 51mg

• Calcium: 195mg

• Iron: 2mg

A Hearty Base: Tender Stewing Beef and Barley

At the heart of this soup is the combination of stewing beef and barley. Stewing beef, often taken from cuts like chuck roast, is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender as it simmers over time. As the beef breaks down during the long cook time in the Crock Pot, it releases rich flavors that infuse the entire soup, making each spoonful a savory delight.

Barley is another key ingredient that adds texture and heartiness to the soup. This chewy grain soaks up the flavorful broth, absorbing all the rich spices and meat juices, and gives the soup a satisfying body. Barley also provides essential fiber and nutrients, making the soup not only filling but also a healthy choice. Whether you use hulled barley or pearl barley, both types offer similar textures, though hulled barley retains more nutrients due to its less processed nature.

Flavorful Vegetables: A Nutrient-Dense Base

In addition to the beef and barley, the soup is loaded with vegetables that add both flavor and nutritional value. The combination of onions, garlic, celery, carrots, and potatoes creates a rich, aromatic base for the soup. The onions and garlic are sautéed at the beginning, which helps release their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the broth.

Carrots add a natural sweetness and color to the soup, while celery contributes a crisp, slightly bitter flavor that balances the richness of the beef. Potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces, add heartiness and absorb the flavors of the broth as they cook. Together, these vegetables provide a variety of textures and flavors that complement the beef and barley, creating a well-rounded, comforting dish.

The addition of mushrooms further elevates the flavor of the soup. Cremini mushrooms have an earthy, umami taste that deepens the richness of the broth. Their texture holds up well in the slow cooking process, adding a subtle, savory component to the overall flavor profile. These mushrooms also add a nutritional boost, offering B vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants.

A Savory Broth: Rich and Flavorful

The broth in this Crock Pot Beef Barley Soup is packed with flavor, thanks to the blend of beef broth, spices, and tomatoes. Beef broth forms the rich, savory base, while the addition of passata (or other tomato options) gives the soup a slight tang and natural sweetness. The use of paprika, cumin, and oregano imparts depth and warmth to the broth. The paprika adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick, while the cumin provides earthy, aromatic flavors. Oregano brings a Mediterranean touch to the dish, rounding out the savory notes of the soup.

The bay leaves, added during the slow cooking process, contribute an herbal, aromatic fragrance that infuses the broth. They add a subtle depth of flavor, complementing the other herbs and spices in the soup. The longer the soup cooks, the more these flavors meld together, making the broth richer and more complex.

Slow Cooking: Minimal Effort for Maximum Flavor

One of the greatest advantages of this Crock Pot Beef Barley Soup is how little effort it requires. After searing the beef and browning the mushrooms, all the ingredients are added to the slow cooker and left to cook for several hours. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender, and the flavors from the spices, vegetables, and broth to meld perfectly. Whether you choose to cook it on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours, the result is the same: a hearty, flavorful soup with minimal hands-on time.

This slow cooker method is perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to hover over the stove. You can start the soup in the morning and let it cook while you go about your day. By the time you’re ready for dinner, the soup is perfectly cooked and ready to serve. The slow cooker also helps keep the soup warm for a long period, making it a great option for meals when guests are coming over or when you want to have leftovers for the next day.

Customization and Toppings: Making It Your Own

The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. For example, if you prefer a spicier kick, you can add more paprika or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, they can be omitted or replaced with another vegetable, such as zucchini or parsnips.

Additionally, the soup can be made even heartier by adding more potatoes or barley, depending on your preference. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could reduce the amount of barley and add more vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrients and color.

The soup can also be served with a variety of toppings. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and a touch of tang, while grated Parmesan cheese gives it a savory finish. For a bit of crunch, you can serve the soup with some crusty bread or garlic bread, making it a perfect complete meal. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be sprinkled on top to add a burst of freshness and color.

Nutritional Benefits of Crock Pot Beef Barley Soup

Crock Pot Beef Barley Soup is not only delicious but also provides numerous nutritional benefits. The stewing beef is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also contains important vitamins and minerals, including iron, which is vital for oxygen transport in the blood, and zinc, which supports immune function.

The vegetables in the soup are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Carrots are particularly high in vitamin A, which is important for eye health, while celery and onions offer fiber, which helps support digestion. The barley contributes fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and aids in digestion, making this soup a filling, satisfying, and nutrient-packed meal.

Additionally, the mushrooms offer antioxidants that help combat inflammation and support overall health. The combination of these ingredients makes this soup a well-balanced dish that provides a variety of essential nutrients, ensuring that each bowl is both comforting and nourishing.

Why This Soup is Perfect for Cozy Dinners

Crock Pot Beef Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food for those seeking a hearty, satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. The rich flavors, tender beef, and hearty barley make it the perfect dish for cold weather or any time you want a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s a great option for family dinners, dinner parties, or meal prep, as it yields plenty of servings and stores well for leftovers.

The slow cooker method ensures that you don’t have to spend a lot of time actively cooking, yet the result is a soup that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. It’s an easy way to make a flavorful, filling meal with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Crock Pot Beef Barley Soup is a perfect recipe for anyone looking for a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort. The combination of tender beef, chewy barley, vegetables, and savory spices creates a delicious and satisfying soup that will warm you up from the inside out. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this soup is an easy go-to for busy nights or special family dinners. Whether enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, or a slice of crusty bread, this soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.