Slow Cooker Beef Barley is the perfect recipe for chilly evenings when you crave something hearty and comforting. This slow-cooked dish combines tender beef, nutritious barley, and an array of vegetables to create a meal that warms not just your body but your soul. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a flavorful soup that simmers to perfection all day long, making it an ideal choice for busy families or meal prep enthusiasts.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Barley

This recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Barley is not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition. Here are several reasons why you’ll love it:

It’s a comforting beef barley soup recipe that warms you up.
Preparation takes just 20 minutes, making it an Easy Slow Cooker Beef Barley option.
Perfect for meal prep, yielding multiple servings.
The combination of beef and barley provides a nutritious beef barley stew.
It’s a one-pot meal, minimizing cleanup time.
Versatile enough to be adjusted for personal tastes or dietary needs.
Allows for a low-fat diet option without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Barley

Gather these items:

1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 – 1.5 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium yellow or sweet onion, diced
2 ribs celery, sliced and cut into 1/2-1 inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp Better Than Bouillon beef base (optional)
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
6 cups reduced sodium beef broth
2/3 cup pearl barley

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Barley Step-by-Step

Step 1: Trim fat from beef and cut into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: Add beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, tomato paste, beef base, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaves, broth, and barley to slow cooker.
Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender.
Step 4: Remove bay leaves before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Barley

Keep these in mind:

Use high-quality beef for a tender beef barley dish.
Experiment with different vegetables to customize your stew.
For a deeper flavor, sear the beef before adding to the slow cooker.
Consider adding a splash of red wine for an extra layer of flavor.
Cook on low for the best tenderness, especially for tougher cuts of meat.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Barley

Here are some ideas for serving:

Serve with crusty bread for dipping to make it a hearty beef barley meal.
Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish.
Pair with a side salad to balance the meal.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Beef Barley

To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. This makes for a convenient meal prep option, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Barley

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Beef Barley?

The key to perfecting Slow Cooker Beef Barley is allowing enough cooking time for the flavors to meld and for the beef to become tender. Using good-quality beef and fresh vegetables also enhances the dish.

Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Barley ahead of time?

Absolutely! Slow Cooker Beef Barley can be made a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when you are ready to enjoy. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Beef Barley?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure not to overfill the slow cooker and always cut your vegetables uniformly. This ensures even cooking, especially when cooking beef barley in a crockpot.

Variations of Slow Cooker Beef Barley You Can Try

There are many delightful variations you can try with your Slow Cooker Beef Barley. For a twist, consider:

Adding mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Substituting beef with turkey for a lighter option.
Using quinoa instead of barley for a gluten-free version.
Experimenting with different spices like paprika or cumin for a unique taste.

Delicious Slow Cooker Beef Barley for Cozy Nights - Slow Cooker Beef Barley - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes, or try Slow Cooker Korean Beef for another hearty meal. If you’re interested in meal prep, Creamy Potato Soup is a great option!

For more information on the health benefits of barley, you can visit Healthline.

Delicious Slow Cooker Beef Barley for Cozy Nights

Author: basmer
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting beef barley soup made in a slow cooker, perfect for chilly evenings.

Instructions

Trim fat from beef and cut into 1-inch cubes.
Add beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, tomato paste, beef base, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaves, broth, and barley to slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender.
Remove bay leaves before serving.