Print

Hearty Beef Barley Soup

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A hearty and comforting slow-cooked soup made with tender beef, pearl barley, vegetables, and savory herbs in a rich broth. Perfect for cold nights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this one-pot dish is satisfying, nourishing, and full of flavor.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8–10 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
  • Total Time: Up to 10 hours
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Add beef stew meat to a slow cooker. Optionally, sear it in a skillet for extra flavor before adding.
  2. Rinse the pearl barley and add it to the slow cooker with the beef.
  3. Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
  4. Pour in beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes.
  5. Sprinkle in thyme and rosemary. Stir all ingredients to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until beef and barley are tender.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

  • No need to pre-soak the barley; it cooks fully in the slow cooker.
  • Searing the beef before slow cooking adds a deeper flavor but is optional.
  • Add water or broth when reheating if the soup thickens.
  • This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/hearty-beef-barley-soup/