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Warm up with comforting beef barley soup, slow cooker magic!

Emily Chen is the food blogger and recipe developer behind Cookindocs.com. With a lifelong passion for food, she enjoys creating easy and delicious recipes for home cooks to enjoy. Whether testing new ingredients or perfecting family favorites, Emily finds joy in cooking dishes from around the world.

What To Know

  • Indulge in the warmth and nourishment of a hearty bowl of beef barley soup, effortlessly prepared in the convenience of your slow cooker.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.
  • Let it cool completely and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Indulge in the warmth and nourishment of a hearty bowl of beef barley soup, effortlessly prepared in the convenience of your slow cooker. This classic comfort food combines tender beef, chewy barley, and an array of vegetables in a rich and flavorful broth. With its simple ingredients and hands-off cooking method, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Season the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the beef stew meat, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, working in portions to avoid overcrowding the pan. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the Tomato Sauce and Broth: Stir in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned beef and sautéed vegetables in the slow cooker. Add the barley, peas, and parsley.
6. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the beef barley soup hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips for a Perfect Beef Barley Soup

  • Use a good quality beef stew meat: This will ensure that the soup has a rich and flavorful broth.
  • Brown the beef first: This step adds depth of flavor to the soup.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the beef: This will prevent the beef from getting crispy and brown.
  • Simmer the tomato sauce: This will help to thicken the sauce and develop the flavor.
  • Cook the soup on low: This will allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
  • Serve with crusty bread or a side salad: This will help to soak up the delicious broth.

Variations

  • Add other vegetables: Such as potatoes, green beans, or corn.
  • Use different types of barley: Such as quick-cooking barley or hulled barley.
  • Make it spicy: By adding a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • Top with cheese: Such as shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese.

Benefits of Beef Barley Soup

  • Nourishing: Beef barley soup is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
  • Comforting: The warm and hearty broth is perfect for cold weather.
  • Easy to digest: Barley is a soluble fiber that is easy to digest, making this soup a good choice for people with sensitive stomachs.

The Bottom Line: Savor the Warmth of a Homemade Masterpiece

Indulge in the comforting warmth of a homemade beef barley soup, effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker. With its tender beef, chewy barley, and flavorful broth, this classic dish is a culinary delight that will nourish your body and soul. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and savor the joy of creating this heartwarming masterpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen beef stew meat for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat. Just be sure to thaw it completely before browning.
Q: How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
A: You can thicken the soup by adding a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water). Bring the soup to a simmer and whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the soup has thickened.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Let it cool completely and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat the soup over medium heat until warmed through before serving.

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Emily Chen

Emily Chen is the food blogger and recipe developer behind Cookindocs.com. With a lifelong passion for food, she enjoys creating easy and delicious recipes for home cooks to enjoy. Whether testing new ingredients or perfecting family favorites, Emily finds joy in cooking dishes from around the world.

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