Beef & Barley Soup Crock Pot

Making beef and barley soup in a crockpot is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal. Here’s a simple recipe for Beef & Barley Soup cooked in a slow cooker:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) stew beef, cubed
• 1 cup barley, rinsed
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:

a. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the cubed stew beef on all sides. This step adds flavor to the soup.

2. Prepare Vegetables:

a. Place the sliced carrots, sliced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic in the crockpot.

3. Add Browned Beef:

a. Add the browned stew beef to the crockpot.

4. Add Barley and Seasonings:

a. Rinse the barley under cold water and add it to the crockpot.

b. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.

5. Cook:

a. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.

6. Add Peas (Optional):

a. About 30 minutes before serving, add frozen peas if using.

7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:

a. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves.

b. Serve the Beef & Barley Soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Note: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) during the last hour of cooking.

This crockpot beef and barley soup is not only delicious but also a convenient one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly days. It’s a wholesome and filling dish that the whole family can enjoy.