Warm, hearty, and bursting with wholesome flavors, this Crock Pot Beef and Barley Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Featuring tender chunks of seared beef, nutrient-packed carrots, celery, and onion, and nutty pearl barley slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe combines simple ingredients with rich, savory seasonings like thyme and garlic. The addition of diced tomatoes and a bay leaf infuses the soup with depth, while the low-and-slow cooking process in the crock pot ensures a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that canβt be rushed. Ready with just 20 minutes of prep and 8 hours of hands-off cooking, this easy beef and barley soup is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a cozy, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper, and sear in the skillet until browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).
Transfer the seared beef to the crock pot.
Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the crock pot.
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices).
Stir in the pearl barley, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Calories |
2350 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 114.3 g | 147% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.6 g | 183% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 416 mg | 139% | |
| Sodium | 8772 mg | 381% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 166.3 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 40.0 g | 143% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.9 g | ||
| Protein | 157.1 g | 314% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 491 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 22.5 mg | 125% | |
| Potassium | 4431 mg | 94% | |
*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.