Beef & Barley Soup (Crock Pot)
Hearty, slow‑cooked soup with tender beef, vegetables, and nutty barley.
Introduction
This Beef & Barley Soup is the perfect cozy meal for chilly days. Slow‑cooked in the crock pot, the beef becomes melt‑in‑your‑mouth tender while the barley adds a wholesome, nutty texture. Packed with carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms, it’s a nourishing soup that feels rustic yet satisfying.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into bite‑sized pieces
1 ½ cups carrots, thinly sliced
1 ½ cups celery, thinly sliced
⅔ cup onion, chopped
10–12 mushrooms, sliced
¾ cup pearl barley
6 cups beef broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
1 bay leaf
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
Fresh parsley, chopped
Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Trim chuck roast and cut into cubes.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients
Place beef, carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, barley, garlic, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf into the crock pot.
Pour beef broth over the mixture.
Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and barley is cooked through.
Step 4: Finish
Remove bay leaf.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread.
Recipe Notes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low)
Total Time: ~8 hours
Servings: 6–8
Calories: ~280 per serving
Tips for Success
Sear beef cubes in a skillet before adding to crock pot for deeper flavor.
Use pearl barley for chewy texture; quick‑cooking barley can be added later in the cooking process.
Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
Fun Variations
Vegetable Boost: Add parsnips, turnips, or potatoes.
Herb Twist: Swap thyme for rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Savory Depth: Stir in a splash of red wine with the broth.
Lighter Version: Use ground beef or turkey instead of chuck roast.
Storytelling Element
Picture lifting the lid of your crock pot after hours of slow cooking: the aroma of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and nutty barley fills the kitchen. Each spoonful is hearty, flavorful, and comforting — the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out.
Conclusion
This Beef & Barley Soup Crock Pot recipe is a classic that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.