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In the realm of comforting meals, few dishes offer the same warmth and satisfaction as a well-prepared soup. Our Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup epitomizes the essence of comfort food, providing a hearty, nourishing experience that is perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a bowl of something wholesome. This recipe brings together tender chunks of beef, nutritious barley, and a colorful array of vegetables, all simmered together in a slow cooker to create a symphony of flavors and textures.

Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup

Warm up your evenings with a bowl of Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup, the ultimate comfort food that combines tender beef, hearty barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables. This easy recipe harnesses the power of slow cooking to enhance flavors and create a nourishing meal that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Discover step-by-step guidance to achieve delicious results, along with tips for storing leftovers and serving suggestions to delight your family.
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Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup barley, rinsed

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 medium carrots, sliced

3 celery stalks, sliced

4 cups beef broth

2 cups water

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Sear the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. When hot, add the cubed beef and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup. Transfer beef to the slow cooker.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Transfer them to the slow cooker.

      Combine Ingredients: Add carrots, celery, rinsed barley, beef broth, water, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

        Cook: Set your slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The beef should be tender and the barley should have absorbed the delicious broth.

          Final Touches: Once cooking time is over, remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

            Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, and if desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

              Enjoy: Pair with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 8 hours 20 mins | 6 servings