Warm, hearty, and deeply flavorful, this Beef and Barley Soup with Mushrooms for the Crock Pot is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. Tender beef stew meat is perfectly seasoned and seared to lock in flavor, while earthy cremini mushrooms, nutty pearl barley, and a medley of carrots, celery, and onions create a wholesome, nutrient-packed base. Slow-cooked in rich beef broth infused with aromatic herbs like thyme and bay leaf, this recipe allows you to enjoy gourmet-quality soup with minimal effort. Simply set it and forget it as the crock pot works its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a soul-soothing meal. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Ideal for crock pot enthusiasts, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a warm, satisfying bowl of homemade soup.
Season the beef stew meat with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to the crock pot.
Peel and chop the carrots and onion. Dice the celery. Mince the garlic. Slice the cremini mushrooms.
Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the crock pot.
Rinse the barley under cold water and drain. Add it to the crock pot.
Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the crock pot. Stir gently to combine.
Add the bay leaf and fresh thyme sprigs to the pot.
Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
Once done, remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Calories |
719 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.8 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2556 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 159.9 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.4 g | 119% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.8 g | ||
| Protein | 20.2 g | 40% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 197 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 1563 mg | 33% | |
*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.