Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by preparing all the vegetables—dice the onion, peel and slice the carrots, chop the celery, and mince the garlic.
- Brown the Beef (Optional): Although optional, browning the beef adds a depth of flavor to the soup. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add the beef, and cook until browned on all sides. Transfer the beef to the crock pot.
- Assemble the Soup: Add the barley, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf to the crock pot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender, the barley is cooked, and the vegetables are soft.
- Finish and Serve: Discard the bay leaf, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Beef and Barley Soup
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Use beef stew meat or a well-marbled cut like chuck roast. The long cooking time in the crock pot will make the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Rinse the Barley: Rinsing the barley before adding it to the soup helps remove excess starch and keeps the broth clear.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans. They’ll blend perfectly with the hearty nature of the soup.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Why Beef and Barley Soup is Perfect for the Crock Pot
The slow cooker is ideal for this kind of soup because it allows the beef to become incredibly tender while infusing the broth with rich, meaty flavors. Barley, a whole grain with a slightly nutty taste and chewy texture, thickens the soup naturally as it cooks, making each spoonful more satisfying. Plus, the slow cooking process ensures that all the ingredients meld together beautifully, resulting in a comforting bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Variations to Try
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the barley for quinoa or rice for a gluten-free version.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Use Different Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or dill can add a fresh twist to the classic flavor profile.
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