This Easy Crock Pot Beef and Barley Soup is a hearty, family-friendly winter meal filled with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and healthy barley. Perfect for a slow cooker dinner, this cozy, comfort food is filling, flavorful, and simple to make ahead, making it ideal for busy weeknights or chilly evenings at home.
Why We Love This Simple Beef and Barley Soup
At first glance, this soup doesn’t look particularly amazing. It’s just a simple, hearty bowl of meat, vegetables, and barley. But every time I make it, I realize how delicious and flavorful it is. It’s one of them quiet This is a recipe that somehow comes to mind whenever I want something warm and deeply comforting, especially on cold winter evenings.
The beef and barley add a “rib-worthy” heartiness that even my husband grudgingly admits is “a real dinner.” (If I had a dollar for every man who claims soup isn’t a real meal…)
Serve it with warm artisan dip bread or crusty bread from the grocery store bakery and suddenly you have the coziest, most comfortable meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook it on LOW instead?
yes. Allow to cook 6 to 8 hours before adding the remaining ingredients, and another 2 hours thereafter.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
clearly. Simmer everything together for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
The soup has become too thick. What’s going on?
The barley is growing! Add broth or water to loosen.
How should I store leftover soup?
refrigerator: It lasts for 3-4 days. Freezer: Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Barley absorbs liquid, so it’s a good idea to add broth when reheating.
Tips and Substitutes
- Barley Texture:
For a succulent soup, use ½ cup, or if you like it thick and stew-like, use 1 cup. - Beef Exchange:
Ground beef (brown first), chuck roast cubes, or leftover pot roast will all work. - Vegetable Flexibility:
Use whatever vegetables you have on hand, including celery, green beans, parsnips, and extra carrots. This soup forgives everything. - More Broth:
If it gets too thick, add a cup or two more water or beef stock. - Spice Enhancement:
Adding Worcestershire or bay leaves adds even more flavour.
More satisfying soup recipes:
crock pot beef and barley soup
Warm, hearty, and family-friendly, Crock Pot Beef and Barley Soup is packed with tender beef, vegetables, and plenty of flavor, perfect for a cozy winter dinner.
Serving Size: 3
- 1 pound meat stew cut into small pieces
- 1 14.5 ounce can Chopped Tomatoes with Oregano and Basil
- 1 cup water
- 3 middle potato diced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 3 beef stock cube
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 ~can do corner drainage
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2-1 cup barley Depends on how thick you like it
- 2 cup frozen vegetables Peas, corn, and beans work well
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Add stew meat, canned tomatoes, and water to slow cooker.
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Cover and cook High for 4 hours.
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Mix the remaining ingredients.
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keep cooking 2-3 hours higherOr until the barley and vegetables are tender.
