Description

When the weather starts to cool down, nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of soup. This Beef and Barley Soup is a rich and hearty meal that’s perfect for cozy evenings or meal prepping for the week ahead. Slow-cooked to perfection, the tender beef stew meat, wholesome barley, and flavorful vegetables all come together in a deliciously savory broth. With minimal effort, this soup delivers maximum flavor, making it a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, home-cooked meal

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 6 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation Method

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and brown the beef on all sides. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Browning the meat not only adds flavor but also helps to lock in moisture, ensuring that the beef becomes tender as it slow-cooks.

Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Once the beef is browned, transfer it to your slow cooker. The slow cooking process will allow the beef to become tender and flavorful as it simmers in the broth.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic over medium heat for about 2–3 minutes, or until fragrant and softened. This step enhances the flavor of the soup by bringing out the sweetness of the onions and the depth of the garlic. Once done, transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Tomatoes
Next, add the sliced carrots, celery, mushrooms, and the entire can of diced tomatoes (including the liquid) to the slow cooker. These vegetables will add texture, flavor, and nutrition to the soup, making it both filling and healthy.

Step 5: Stir in the Barley and Seasonings
Now, stir in the rinsed pearl barley, bay leaves, and dried thyme. These ingredients add a hearty and nutty flavor to the soup, while the thyme and bay leaves provide an aromatic touch. The barley will also help to thicken the soup as it cooks, creating a satisfying texture.

Step 6: Add the Broth and Water
Pour the beef broth and water over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The broth and water will form the base of the soup, and as it simmers, it will absorb all the flavors of the beef, vegetables, and seasonings.

Step 7: Slow Cook
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours. The low, slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you're short on time, cooking on high will still yield a delicious result, but the longer you can let it simmer, the more flavorful it will be.

Step 8: Final Adjustments
About 30 minutes before serving, stir the soup and taste it. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This is your chance to fine-tune the flavor to your liking. The barley should be tender, and the soup should have a rich, savory broth.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, remove the bay leaves from the slow cooker. Ladle the hot, hearty soup into bowls and enjoy the comforting combination of tender beef, nutty barley, and flavorful vegetables

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:
For a little extra depth of flavor, consider deglazing the skillet after browning the beef. Simply pour a splash of red wine or beef broth into the hot skillet, scraping up any browned bits left behind from the meat. This will add even more richness to the soup. If you prefer a slightly thicker consistency, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate and concentrate the flavors.

You can also customize this soup by adding additional vegetables like potatoes, turnips, or parsnips for an even heartier meal. For a garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over each bowl just before serving to brighten up the flavors.

Conclusion:
This Beef and Barley Soup is the perfect comfort food, offering warmth and nourishment with every bite. The slow-cooked beef becomes tender and flavorful, while the barley adds a satisfying chew. Paired with savory vegetables and a rich, flavorful broth, this soup is the ultimate choice for cold days or when you need a hearty, filling meal. Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner with minimal effort.

Whether you’re making this for a cozy night in or preparing it for a crowd, this soup is guaranteed to impress. It’s a versatile, adaptable recipe that you can tailor to your taste by adding different vegetables, herbs, or even experimenting with various seasonings. With its deep flavors and comforting texture, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.