Slow-cooked beef and barley soup

Warm up with this hearty Slow-Cooked Beef and Barley Soup, a delicious blend of tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables, simmered to perfection in a savory broth. Ideal for cozy family dinners.

20 May 2025
Cook time 480 min
Prep time 20 min

Ingredients:

2 tsp olive oil
1 lb beef
2 carrots
1 stalk celery
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp fresh thyme
2 cups beef broth
1.50 cups water
1 can canned tomatoes
1/3 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup cabbage
Slow-cooked beef and barley soup

Slow-cooked beef and barley soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables. This savory soup, perfect for chilly days, offers a comforting and satisfying meal that's rich in flavor and texture. By allowing the soup to cook slowly, you'll enhance the flavors and ensure the beef is tender and delicious.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Dice the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the carrots and celery.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Chop the fresh thyme.
- Rinse the pearl barley.
- Shred the cabbage.
2. Sauté the Beef:
- In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tsp of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the diced carrots, diced celery, and chopped onion.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped thyme, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables and browned beef into a slow cooker.
- Pour in the 2 cups of beef broth and 1.5 cups of water.
- Add the can of undrained canned tomatoes.
- Stir in the rinsed pearl barley and shredded cabbage.
5. Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, until the barley is tender and the flavors are well combined.
6. Final Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serving:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Tips:

- For extra depth of flavor, sear the beef in the olive oil until well-browned before adding it to the slow cooker.

- Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Consider adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water or allow the soup to cook uncovered for the last hour to let some of the liquid evaporate.

- Feel free to add more vegetables such as potatoes, green beans, or mushrooms to suit your taste preferences.

- This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your slow-cooked beef and barley soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete and wholesome meal. This soup is perfect for meal prep as it keeps well in the fridge and flavors continue to develop over time. Whether served for lunch or dinner, this hearty soup is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 460kcal
Protein 40g
Carbohydrates 27g
Fiber 8g
Sugar 7g
Fat 24g

More recipes

Ham and cheese sandwich with lettuce and mayonnaise

Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch.

15 May 2025

No-sugar banana honey biscuits

No added sugar needed.

28 Apr 2025

Baked nutmeg custard

Easy to prepare and bake, it's an elegant and comforting finish to any meal.

02 Mar 2025

Smoky bbq bacon-wrapped mushroom kebabs

Perfectly savory and incredibly easy to make, these kebabs are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

30 Mar 2025

Multi-grain oatmeal with blueberries for breakfast

Perfect for busy mornings.

16 Apr 2025

Smoky barbecue marinade

Perfect for a flavorful and juicy barbecue experience.

19 Mar 2025

Beef fillet with wild mushroom vinaigrette

Finished with a sprinkle of fresh chives, this dish is perfect for an elegant dinner.

10 May 2025

Rich cinnamon hot chocolate

Perfect for a chilly day, this delicious treat combines the antioxidants of dry cocoa powder with the creamy texture of mixed milks for a guilt-free delight.

24 Mar 2025

Posts