Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Hearty Crock Pot Beef Barley Soup: Easy & Cozy

Recipe by Evelyn Marcella Rivera

There’s nothing more comforting than coming home to the rich, savory aroma of a slow-cooked meal, and this Hearty Crock Pot Beef Barley Soup delivers exactly that feeling. Made with tender chunks of beef, nutty barley, and wholesome vegetables, this cozy soup is a complete meal in a bowl. It’s budget-friendly, deeply satisfying, and designed to simmer away in the slow cooker while you go about your day—perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or feeding a hungry family.

  • Total Time8 hours
  • Yield6 servings 1x

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef chuck roast or stew meat, cubed into 1-inch pieces

  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)

  • 2 celery ribs, sliced

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 medium potato (Yukon Gold or Russet), cubed

  • 3 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 cup pearled barley, uncooked and rinsed

  • 4-5 cups low-sodium beef broth

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients
    Rinse the barley under cold water until the water runs clear. Prepare all vegetables and cube the beef into uniform pieces.

  2. Sear the Beef
    Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and sear for 3–4 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Transfer beef to the slow cooker.

  3. Deglaze the Pan
    Add a splash of beef broth to the hot skillet and scrape up any browned bits. Pour this liquid into the slow cooker.

  4. Assemble the Soup
    Add celery, carrots, onion, potato, garlic, barley, tomato paste, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in beef broth until ingredients are fully submerged.

  5. Slow Cook
    Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until beef is fork-tender and barley is soft.

  6. Finish & Adjust
    Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add extra broth or water if the soup has thickened too much before serving.

Notes

  1. Searing the beef adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
  2. Barley absorbs liquid as it sits; leftovers may need additional broth.
  3. This soup freezes well for up to 2 months.
  4. For extra brightness, add a small splash of vinegar before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner / Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1½ cups)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Find it online: https://blesseddish.com/hearty-crock-pot-beef-barley-soup-easy-cozy/