Warm up your kitchen and your heart with a bowl of comforting Slow Cooker Sausage Barley Soup! This hearty American classic is not just a meal; it's a delightful experience that brings family and friends together around the table. Imagine the rich aroma of Italian sausage mingling with fresh vegetables and tender barley, simmering away while you go about your day. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it work its magic for 8 hours, transforming simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying dish that serves 6. Ready to dive into a recipe that promises to be the highlight of your week? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup barley
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sliced Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until it develops a golden color and releases its oils, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps enhance the meat's flavor.
- Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker, leaving behind any rendered fat for additional flavor.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the sausage.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring it covers all ingredients. Add the diced tomatoes, barley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine and distribute seasonings evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 7-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the barley to become tender.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Sear the Sausage: Don’t skip the step of browning the Italian sausage! This not only adds depth to the flavor but also enhances the overall richness of the soup.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference. Adding bell peppers or spinach can introduce new flavors and nutrients.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more chicken broth before serving. This helps achieve your desired texture.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving.
- Make Ahead: This soup freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and store leftovers in individual portions for a quick meal on busy days.
- Garnish for Greatness: Elevate your soup by garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
