Description
This Crockpot Beef Barley Soup is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Tender chunks of marbled stew meat, nutty pearl barley, and a blend of vegetables simmer slowly to create a rich and flavorful broth. Enhanced with Better Than Bouillon Beef Base, this soup has deep, homey flavors that develop as it cooks, making it an ideal make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs stew meat, well-marbled beef chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- 10 cups water, divided
- 3 tbsp Better Than Bouillon Beef Base
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 2 onions, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large potato, peeled and shredded (about 2 cups)
- 3–4 large carrots, peeled and shredded (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Beef:
- Generously season the beef with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add about one-third of the meat and brown it for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining meat in batches. (Avoid overcrowding to achieve a good sear.)
2️⃣ Deglaze the Pan:
- Once all the beef is browned, pour 2 cups of water into the pan and bring it to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds extra flavor to the soup.
3️⃣ Transfer to the Crockpot:
- Place the browned beef into a large crockpot. Add the deglazed liquid and remaining 8 cups of water. Stir in the Better Than Bouillon Beef Base, celery, onions, and garlic.
4️⃣ Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours until the beef is tender.
5️⃣ Add Potatoes and Carrots:
- After 6 hours, add the shredded potato and carrots to the crockpot. Stir and cook for another hour.
6️⃣ Add the Barley:
- Add the rinsed barley and continue to cook on low for another hour, or until the barley is tender and the soup is thickened.
7️⃣ Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, and enjoy a bowl of this cozy, flavorful soup!
Notes
This soup stores well and tastes even better as leftovers. For a quicker option, cook on high for 4-5 hours, but the low-and-slow method really enhances the flavors. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal!