Another comforting recipe that you’ll love preparing on colder days in the slow cooker is Beef Barley Soup which you can enjoy as a cozy, hearty meal. Made with beef, barley, onion, broth, and a vegetable soup mix.
This delicious Beef Barley Soup recipe makes a perfect dinner that takes about 5 hours to prepare and can serve up to 10 people. Beef, barley, and vegetables come together for a satisfying soup that stands out. Serve in generous bowls, paired with a green salad and crusty bread.
Jump to Recipe Print RecipeRecipe Ingredients
- 2 quarts (1.9 L) of water
- 9 oz (255 g) package of vegetable-barley soup mix
- 2 lbs (910 g) of beef chuck roast, cut into cubes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
How To Make Slow Cooker Delicious Beef Barley Soup
- Prepare the Base: Pour 2 quarts of water into your slow cooker and add the vegetable-barley soup mix. Stir well until the soup mix fully dissolves in the water.
- Add the Beef and Onion: Place the beef chuck cubes and chopped onion into the slow cooker. Ensure the beef is spread evenly and covered by the liquid.
- Season to Taste: Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the ingredients. Stir the mixture gently to distribute the seasoning evenly throughout the soup.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the soup cook slowly for 5 to 6 hours, ensuring the flavors develop and the beef becomes tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, give the soup a final stir and check the seasoning. Adjust if needed before serving. Enjoy warm for the best flavor.
Recipe Tips
- For extra richness, brown the beef cubes in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step enhances the depth of flavor without adding extra cooking time overall.
- To add more vegetables, include diced carrots, celery, or potatoes when adding the onions and beef. This change makes the soup heartier and adds more nutrients.
- For a gluten-free option, swap out the vegetable-barley soup mix for a blend of gluten-free soup mix and rice. This keeps the hearty texture while being gluten-friendly.
- Enhance the flavor with herbs by adding 1 tbsp of dried thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker. These herbs complement the beef and barley flavors beautifully.
Recipe FAQs and Variations
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes, you can use beef stew meat or even short ribs for a richer taste. Adjust the cooking time if needed for bone-in cuts.
How Do I Store Leftover Beef Barley Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot over low heat or in the microwave.
Can I Cook This on High Heat?
You can cook on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time. However, cooking on low heat provides more tender beef and a fuller flavor.
Can I Use Fresh Vegetables Instead of a Soup Mix?
Absolutely. Add a blend of 1 cup of diced carrots, celery, and bell peppers with barley for a homemade touch.
Can I Freeze the Soup?
Yes, freeze the cooled soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Check out More Recipes:
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup
- Slow Cooker Chunky Tomato Soup
- Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Boneless Stew
Slow Cooker Delicious Beef Barley Soup
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings10
minutes5
hours380
kcalAnother comforting recipe that you’ll love preparing on colder days in the slow cooker is Beef Barley Soup which you can enjoy as a cozy, hearty meal. Made with beef, barley, onion, broth, and a vegetable soup mix.
Ingredients
2 quarts (1.9 L) of water
9 oz (255 g) package of vegetable-barley soup mix
2 lbs (910 g) of beef chuck roast, cut into cubes
1 small onion, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Base: Pour 2 quarts of water into your slow cooker and add the vegetable-barley soup mix. Stir well until the soup mix fully dissolves in the water.
- Add the Beef and Onion: Place the beef chuck cubes and chopped onion into the slow cooker. Ensure the beef is spread evenly and covered by the liquid.
- Season to Taste: Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the ingredients. Stir the mixture gently to distribute the seasoning evenly throughout the soup.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the soup cook slowly for 5 to 6 hours, ensuring the flavors develop and the beef becomes tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, give the soup a final stir and check the seasoning. Adjust if needed before serving. Enjoy warm for the best flavor.
Nutrition Facts
10 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories380
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
15g
24%
- Saturated Fat 6g 30%
- Cholesterol 90mg 30%
- Sodium 550mg 23%
- Total Carbohydrate
36g
12%
- Dietary Fiber 6g 24%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 32g 64%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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