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Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup Recipe (Comfort in a Bowl!)

Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup in Rustic Bowl
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With 40 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per serving, this slow cooker beef and barley soup is a nourishing, hearty, and easy family dinner perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2–pound chuck roast, fat trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth and/or water
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
  • 1/4 cup parsley, minced

Instructions

1. Place the cubed beef on a cutting board and season it generously with salt and pepper.

2. In a large pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Working in batches, add the seasoned beef and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Do not overcrowd the pan.

3. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and stir to combine.

4. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir until well combined.

5. Add the barley, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and salt. Stir once more to incorporate everything.

6. Cover and cook on high for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or on low for 7 1/2 to 8 hours, until the beef and barley are tender.

7. Once cooked, stir in the minced parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

8. Serve hot. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

To use ground beef, swap in 2 pounds of ground beef for the chuck roast. For dried spice swaps: use 1 teaspoon onion powder instead of fresh onion, 2 teaspoons garlic powder instead of garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme instead of fresh. Tomato paste can be replaced with 1/4 cup tomato sauce by reducing the broth by 1/4 cup.

Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/slow-cooker-beef-and-barley-soup/