Description
A rich and comforting slow-cooked beef soup featuring tender cubes of beef, nutty barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables. This easy crockpot recipe delivers hearty, warming flavors perfect for a cozy meal with minimal hands-on effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef, cubed
- ½ cup barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: thyme or bay leaf
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Lightly brown the cubed beef for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is optional but adds deeper flavor to the soup.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Transfer the browned beef to your crockpot. Add the barley, diced carrot, chopped celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top.
- Add Liquids and Herbs: Pour in the beef broth to cover the ingredients. Add thyme or a bay leaf if you are using herbs for additional aroma and flavor.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The beef should be tender and the barley cooked through.
- Season and Serve: Before serving, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove any herb stems or bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm, perfect for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Browning the beef enhances the flavor but can be skipped to save time.
- For a heartier meal, add diced potatoes along with the other vegetables.
- This soup freezes well, making it an ideal recipe for meal prep and leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: International
