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Sensational 8-Hour Beef Barley Soup Secret

beef barley soup
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This is the ultimate hearty slow cooker beef barley soup recipe. You get tender beef, chewy barley, and rich vegetables cooked low and slow for deep flavor. It is perfect for cozy, chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup pearl barley, rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pan. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
  3. Place the browned beef into your slow cooker insert.
  4. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the slow cooker.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and water.
  6. Stir in the rinsed barley, dried thyme, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce.
  7. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is very tender and the barley is cooked through.
  8. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, you can dredge the beef in a little flour seasoned with salt and pepper before browning.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • This soup freezes very well. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
  • This recipe is a perfect project for Amelia (the planner) and Jacob (the artist) to make together.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/beef-barley-soup-slow-cooker-recipe/