Slow Cooker Delicious Beef Barley Soup

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.

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Recipe 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.

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