Prepare to be transported to comfort food heaven with this soul-warming Crock Pot Beef and Barley Soup that will make your taste buds dance and your kitchen smell absolutely incredible! Imagine coming home after a long day to a rich, hearty soup that's been slowly simmering, filling your home with the most irresistible aroma of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and savory herbs. This isn't just another soup recipe - it's a culinary experience that promises to become your new cold-weather favorite, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cubing the beef stew meat into uniform 1-inch pieces, ensuring even cooking.
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, coating each piece thoroughly to enhance flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef cubes on all sides, creating a rich caramelized exterior. This step helps develop deeper flavor in the soup.
- Transfer the browned beef cubes to the crock pot, leaving behind any rendered fat for additional flavor.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the crock pot with the beef.
- Add sliced mushrooms, chopped carrots, pearl barley, thyme, and beef broth to the crock pot.
- Stir all ingredients gently to ensure even distribution and proper mixing.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat for 6 hours, allowing the ingredients to slowly cook and flavors to meld together.
- After 6 hours, check the soup's consistency and seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Brown the beef before adding to the crock pot - this extra step develops deep, complex flavors that elevate the entire dish.
- Use fresh, high-quality beef stew meat for the most tender results.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the low and slow method is crucial for breaking down the meat and melding flavors.
- If the soup seems too thick during cooking, you can add a bit more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
- For added depth, consider deglazing the skillet with a splash of red wine after browning the beef.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried if needed, but use about 1/3 the amount.
- Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop.
- This soup freezes beautifully - make a double batch and save some for later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 65mg
