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Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

Comforting Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup That Wows Every Time

This Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup is a comforting dish that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas and offers heartwarming flavors perfect for cold evenings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Comfort Foods
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast or beef stew meat
  • 3 cups potatoes russet or Yukon gold
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion or shallots
  • 4 cloves garlic or garlic powder
  • 2 cups carrots or other root vegetables
  • 2 stalks celery or leeks
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon oregano or basil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper or white pepper
  • 2 leaves bay leaves or thyme sprigs
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste or pureed tomatoes
  • 6 cups beef broth or stock or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup pearl barley or quinoa
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons parsley or green onions
  • 1 teaspoon thyme for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

How to Make
  1. Brown the Beef (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the cubed beef until golden brown on all sides, which should take about 2 minutes per side.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the browned beef, diced potatoes, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, bay leaves, tomato paste, beef broth, and pearl barley. Stir well to combine.
  3. Cook Slow: Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 4 hours.
  4. Finish and Serve: Discard the bay leaves, taste the soup for seasoning adjustments, and garnish with fresh parsley and thyme.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For a zesty twist, add a splash of lemon juice before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

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