5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup
Hey there, lovely readers! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes – a hearty and comforting 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup. This dish holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of cozy family dinners and chilly winter nights.
Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious pot of homemade goodness:
– 1 pound beef stew meat
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 carrots, chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 8 cups beef broth
Now, let me take you on a journey back to my childhood. I remember my grandmother preparing a similar soup during the holidays. The aroma that filled her kitchen was simply magical, promising warmth and comfort with every spoonful.
Cooking Instructions
First, brown the beef stew meat in a skillet over medium-high heat. This step is crucial as it adds a depth of flavor to the soup. Once the meat is nicely seared, transfer it to your slow cooker.
Next, add the pearl barley, chopped carrots, diced onion, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to ensure that the ingredients are well combined. I always find solace in the simplicity of one-pot meals like this soup.
Set your slow cooker to low heat and let the soup simmer for 6-8 hours. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it allows the flavors to meld together slowly, resulting in a rich and savory broth that’s perfect for dipping some crusty bread into.
As the soup cooks, your home will be filled with the enticing aroma of beef, barley, and vegetables blending harmoniously. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate the joys of home cooking and the comfort it brings to both the body and soul.
Tips and Variations
If you’re looking to add a bit of freshness to the soup, consider tossing in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving. These little additions can elevate the flavors and brighten up the dish.
For a heartier version, you can throw in some potatoes or parsnips along with the carrots. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients and tailor the soup to suit your preferences. Cooking is all about experimentation and making the recipe your own.
During the colder months, I love curling up with a steaming bowl of this beef and barley soup, letting it warm me from the inside out. It’s like a hug in a bowl, bringing back fond memories and creating new ones with each spoonful.
I hope this recipe finds its way into your kitchen and brings you as much joy and comfort as it has brought me over the years. Happy cooking and happy eating, dear friends!
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup
A hearty and comforting beef and barley soup recipe that is perfect for cozy family dinners and chilly winter nights. Slow cooked to perfection, this flavorful soup will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 8 cups beef broth
Directions
- Brown the beef stew meat in a skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
- Add pearl barley, chopped carrots, diced onion, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the soup simmer for 6-8 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy the rich and savory beef and barley soup.
Nutrition Facts
