Beef & Barley Soup cooked in a Crock Pot is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. This slow-cooked soup combines tender pieces of beef stew meat with the nuttiness of barley and a medley of vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a rich beef broth. The addition of herbs like thyme and rosemary adds depth to the flavor, making this soup a nourishing and satisfying meal. This recipe is ideal for those who appreciate the convenience of a Crock Pot, allowing the flavors to meld together over several hours, creating a delicious and warming dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup barley, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
Preparation:
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by rinsing the barley under cold water. Chop the onion, dice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Brown the Beef: (Optional) For added flavor, brown the beef stew meat in a skillet over medium-high heat until all sides are seared. This step adds depth to the soup’s flavor but can be skipped for simplicity.
- Add to Crock Pot: Place the browned beef (or raw if you skipped browning), rinsed barley, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic into the Crock Pot.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, pepper, and add the bay leaves.
- Cook: Set your Crock Pot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time on low helps the flavors to develop more fully.
- Final Check: Before serving, remove the bay leaves and check the seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary.
COOKING Note:
- The soup is ready when the barley is tender, and the beef is cooked through and tender.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread or rolls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Tips:
- If the soup is thicker than you prefer, add more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
- For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of beef broth and a splash of red wine.
- You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or potatoes for more variety.
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (if browning the meat)
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving (varies based on the cut of beef and portion size)
- Protein: Around 20-25g per serving (mainly from the beef)
- Sodium: Roughly 600-800mg per serving (depends on the beef broth and added salt)
Conclusion: Beef & Barley Soup made in a Crock Pot is an ideal recipe for anyone seeking a warm, fulfilling meal with minimal active cooking time. This soup’s rich flavors and comforting texture make it a wonderful choice for a family dinner, especially during colder months. Its ease of preparation and versatility in terms of ingredients ensure that this dish can be a regular in your meal rotation, satisfying different palates with its wholesome goodness.
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