Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup
This comforting Beef Barley Soup is made with savory stewed beef, wholesome vegetables, and pearl barley, all cooked together in a rich, seasoned broth. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness at the end of the day.
Servings 8 people
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs stewing beef cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 large yellow onions diced
- 1 large bell pepper chopped
- 1 1/4 cups carrots sliced
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 cups beef broth
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Seasoning Salt or to taste
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Sear the Beef (Optional, but Recommended): In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat the stewing beef dry, then sear it in batches until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onions, chopped bell pepper, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 2 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Assemble the Soup: Add the beef broth, smoked paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Seasoning Salt to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours( or on high for 4-5 hours) until the beef is tender.
- Add the Barley: About 1 hour before the end of the cooking time, stir in the pearl barley. Continue cooking until the barley is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Stir in the chopped parsley. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it warm.