Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave a beef with barley soup that warms you right through? This slow cooker beef and barley recipe will be your new best mate.
It's pure comfort in a bowl, packed with flavor. Honestly, it tastes like your nan's been slaving away all day.
Brief Overview
This recipe is inspired by classic Scottish and Irish comfort foods . The slow cooker makes it dead easy to get tender beef and perfect barley.
Prep takes just 20 minutes. It simmers away for 6- 8 hours, giving you 6-8 servings of pure joy. It's easier than you think!.
Main Benefits
One of the best things? It is a healthier hearty soup recipe ! It is full of protein and fiber, great for a balanced meal.
This Crockpot beef barley soup healthy recipe is brilliant for cold evenings, or a lazy weekend in. What makes it special? The deep, rich flavors only a slow cooker can unlock.
Think beef and barley stew , but easier.
Ready to see what you need? Keep reading!
Ingredients You'll Need
Right then, what's on the shopping list? Let's make this Easy beef and barley soup recipe . You'll need some decent beef.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Honestly, nothing too fancy. Most of this is probably already in your cupboard. Get this hamburger and barley soup going. You'll thank me later!
Getting Ready to Rumble: Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Ever
Alright, before we even think about chucking things in the slow cooker , let's gather our troops. Proper prep is half the battle, innit? We're aiming for maximum flavour with minimal fuss.
This Beef With Barley Soup recipe is comfort food defined.
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil. Any kind will do, really.
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) beef chuck roast, cut into 1 inch cubes. Aim for nicely marbled beef. That fat means flavour. Don't skimp on quality here for Best Beef Barley Soup !
- 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup ). Brown or white, dealer's choice.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup ). Adds a lovely sweetness.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup ). Underestimated heroes of flavour.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best, innit?
- 8 cups (1.9 liters) beef broth. Low sodium gives you more control over the salt.
- 1 cup (200 g) pearl barley, rinsed. Rinsing stops it getting too gluey.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (411 g). Adds body and acidity.
- 1 tsp (5 ml) dried thyme. Classic Hearty Soup Recipes Comfort Foods aroma.
- 1 tsp (5 ml) dried rosemary. Earthy and warming.
- 1 bay leaf. Don't forget to take it out before serving, yeah?
- 1 tsp (5 ml) salt, or to taste. Seasoning is king.
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper, or to taste. Freshly ground is always better.
- 1 cup (120g) frozen peas. Adds a pop of sweetness and colour at the end.
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish. Makes it look all fancy.
Seasoning Notes - Making it Sing!
Thyme and rosemary are a must . It makes for that homey smell. I also love a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
It brings out the beef flavour, honestly. Got no rosemary? Use marjoram or oregano. It still adds depth to the Beef And Barley Stew .
And, honestly, sometimes I add a splash of red wine vinegar towards the end to brighten things up. It's really good in Beef and barley soup with wine
Equipment Needed
- 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker . Essential for this Crockpot beef barley soup healthy recipe.
- Large skillet or frying pan. For browning the beef.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Obvious, but you'd be surprised.
- Cutting board. Protect your work surface, yeah?
- Sharp knife. A dull knife is a dangerous knife.
I have a good memory on my mind about Hamburger And Barley Soup or Slow cooker beef stew . my grandma use to do this.
This Easy beef and barley soup recipe really reminds me to that. So, what about you?
Slow Cooker Beef and Barley: Proper Comfort Food
Honestly, who doesn't love a hearty soup recipe ? Especially when it's cold outside. This slow cooker beef and barley recipe is like a warm hug.
It reminds me of my nan's cooking. Proper home comfort! Let's get started on creating a Beef With Barley Soup .
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential Mise en Place: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Cube the beef. This prep makes cooking easier.
- Time Saving Organization Tips: Have all your ingredients measured. Trust me; it speeds things up.
- Safety Reminders: Be careful when searing the beef. Hot oil can spit!
step-by-step: The Slow Cooker Magic
- Sear the Beef: Brown the beef in olive oil. Do it in batches. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pan. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes . Toss in the garlic, cook for another minute.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Chuck beef and veg into the slow cooker. Pour in beef broth, barley, canned tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . Beef should be super tender. This is great for Crockpot beef barley soup healthy .
- Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas in the last 30 minutes . This keeps them from getting mushy.
- Serve It Up: Remove the bay leaf. Ladle into bowls. Garnish with parsley. Now, enjoy the Best beef barley soup .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup
- Browning Matters: Seriously, don't skip browning the beef. It's flavor town. That's how you get the flavors of Beef And Barley Stew .
- Barley Watch: Check the barley after 6 hours on low. You don't want mush. You want a slight chew. I remember one time I forgot about it and ended up with barley porridge. Never again!
- Avoid Greasy Soup: Trim excess fat off the beef. No one wants an oily soup. Use quality beef and you can create Hamburger And Barley Soup .
So there you have it! Easy beef and barley soup recipe . Now go make some slow cooker beef and vegetable soup for your friends and family.
The addition of beef and barley soup with wine is also another plus. They will love it!
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup
This slow cooker beef and barley recipe is more than just a soup. It's a hug in a bowl! I mean honestly, who doesn't love a bit of Beef With Barley Soup on a dreary day?
Serving Suggestions
Think about plating your Hearty Soup Recipes Comfort Foods ! Ladle it into rustic bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look fancy.
For presentation, a swirl of cream and a chunk of crusty bread? Pure perfection, mate! It is a real winter warmer!
On the side, I reckon some good old cheesy garlic bread would be proper good, or even better, a nice pint of ale.
Storage Tips
Leftover Beef And Barley Stew ? No worries, it keeps like a champ. Pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
If you've got loads, freeze it! Allow to cool completely before freezing. It lasts for up to 3 months.
To reheat, defrost overnight, then gently simmer on the hob or microwave. Give it a stir now and then. Make sure it's piping hot before serving.
Honestly, sometimes it tastes even better the next day!
Variations on a Theme
Fancy tweaking things? Ditch the beef for extra mushrooms for a veggie version. Boom! Done! Just use veg stock instead of beef stock, innit.
To make it gluten-free, swap the barley for quinoa. Just remember to adjust the cooking time a bit. These easy beef and barley soup recipe tweaks make it good for everyone!
Nutrition Basics of this Best Beef Barley Soup
Okay, so this is slow cooker beef and vegetable soup , with some good stuff in it. It's packed with protein from the beef and fibre from the barley and veggies.
It is also full of vitamins from the vegetables, hamburger and barley soup is not normally this healthy!
Each serving has roughly 350-450 calories. There are 30-40 grams of protein, 15-25 grams of fat, and 25-35 grams of carbs.
Plus, loads of fibre! But remember, it all depends on your exact ingredients.
Give my Crockpot beef barley soup healthy a try, you won't regret it. Honestly! It's proper easy, and you'll have a delicious, warming meal waiting for you after a long day.
And if you fancy a dash of beef and barley soup with wine ? Why not! Go for it! It's your soup, your rules!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make slow cooker beef and barley ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, like a good curry or a proper stew, this slow cooker beef and barley soup often tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together. Just cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
You can reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
My barley is always mushy! How can I avoid overcooked barley in slow cooker beef and barley?
Ah, the dreaded mushy barley! A common issue, but easily avoided. Start checking the barley for doneness around the 6-hour mark on low heat. You want it to be tender but still have a slight chew, like perfectly al dente pasta.
Also, rinsing the barley before adding it to the slow cooker helps remove excess starch, which can contribute to mushiness.
I'm short on time, can I speed up the slow cooker beef and barley soup?
You can indeed! While the low and slow method yields the most tender beef, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Just be sure to keep an eye on the barley, as it might cook faster. Also, searing the beef beforehand is crucial for maximizing flavor, even if you're rushing.
What are some good variations for this slow cooker beef and barley recipe?
Fancy a bit of a twist? You could add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavour, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note. Some people also like to throw in some chopped mushrooms or swede (rutabaga) for extra veggies.
If you're feeling brave, a small dash of ale (like a mild) can also boost the heartiness. Just remember to season to taste!
Is slow cooker beef and barley a healthy option?
Relatively speaking, yes! It's packed with protein from the beef, fibre from the barley and vegetables, and plenty of vitamins. However, be mindful of the sodium content of the beef broth. Opt for low-sodium broth if you're watching your salt intake. Also, trimming excess fat from the beef will help keep it lean.
Hearty Slow Cooker Beef And Barley Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-25g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
