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Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

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This hearty slow cooker beef and barley soup combines rich beef flavor, nutty barley, and vibrant vegetables, making it the perfect comfort food for any family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Substitute with avocado oil if desired.
  • 3 lbs beef roast (chuck or bottom round) Chuck roast provides great marbling; bottom round is leaner.
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced thinly
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced finely
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley Alternatively, use 1 tsp dried parsley.
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 6 cups beef broth Low-sodium is preferred if you plan to season later.
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup barley Pearled barley cooks faster; hulled barley takes longer.
  • 1 14.5 oz can sweet corn, drained Add during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side.
  4. Transfer the seared roast to the bottom of your slow cooker.
  5. Add sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley around the roast.
  6. Sprinkle in the oregano and thyme, then pour in the beef broth and can of diced tomatoes (including liquid).
  7. Tuck in the bay leaf and add the barley.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and barley is cooked through.
  2. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the drained sweet corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Shred the beef if desired and stir to distribute throughout the soup.
  5. Ladle into bowls and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5g

Notes

Serve with thick slices of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls. A simple green salad pairs well. Consider adding sour cream or grated Parmesan for extra richness. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days; freeze for up to 3 months.
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