Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
Indulge in this comforting and hearty Beef and Barley Soup, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family gatherings. Slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot, this dish combines tender chunks of beef stew meat with an array of colorful vegetables, nutty barley, and rich beef broth. It’s a filling one-dish meal that not only warms the soul but also satisfies the appetite. For a more robust flavor, feel free to adjust the beef broth to your liking. Just remember, the magic happens when you let it be—so don’t stir until the end of cooking. Your family will eagerly anticipate this delicious soup on the dinner table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Beef stew meat
1 lb (Cubed)
Carrots
2 cups (Sliced thin)
Celery
1 cup (Thinly sliced)
Green pepper
3/4 cup (Chopped)
Onion
1 large (Diced)
Barley
1/2 cup (Uncooked)
Parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Beef bouillon cubes
4 (Crumbled)
Beef broth
10 ounces (Canned)
Salt
2 teaspoons
Dried basil
3/4 teaspoon
Catsup
2 tablespoons
Water
5 cups
Instructions
1
Begin by layering the ingredients in your crock pot. Start with the beef stew meat at the bottom.
2
Next, add the sliced carrots, thinly sliced celery, chopped green pepper, and diced onion on top of the meat.
3
Sprinkle the barley evenly over the layer of vegetables and meat.
4
Dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in the beef broth, then pour this mixture over the layered ingredients.
5
Add the salt, dried basil, and catsup, making sure they are evenly distributed.
6
Finally, cover everything with the specified amount of water.
7
DO NOT STIR the soup! This is crucial for a well-rounded flavor and texture.
8
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 10 hours or high for 6 hours. You can also choose a combination of both settings for flexibility.
9
When the cooking time is nearly complete, gently stir the soup to combine flavors and textures before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Hearty Beef and Barley Soup?
The main protein in this recipe is 1 lb of cubed beef stew meat.
How should the carrots be prepared for this soup?
The carrots should be sliced thin, and you will need 2 cups for the recipe.
Do I need to cook the barley before adding it to the crock pot?
No, you use 1/2 cup of uncooked barley which is sprinkled over the layers.
How long does the soup need to cook on the low setting?
If using the low setting, the soup should cook for 10 hours.
How long does the soup need to cook on the high setting?
On the high setting, the soup should cook for 6 hours.
What is the most important rule while the soup is cooking?
The most important rule is DO NOT STIR the soup until the cooking time is nearly complete.
How much water is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 5 cups of water to be poured over the ingredients.
What vegetables are included in the Hearty Beef and Barley Soup?
The soup includes carrots, celery, green pepper, and a large onion.
What kind of broth is used for the base?
The base uses a combination of 10 ounces of beef broth and 4 beef bouillon cubes.
Is any catsup used in this beef soup?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of catsup are added for flavor.
What herbs are used to season the soup?
The soup is seasoned with 3/4 teaspoon of dried basil and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley.
How should I layer the ingredients in the crock pot?
Start with the beef at the bottom, followed by carrots, celery, green pepper, and onion, then sprinkle the barley on top.
Can I use both low and high settings for cooking?
Yes, you can choose a combination of both low and high settings for flexibility.
How much celery is needed for the soup?
You will need 1 cup of thinly sliced celery.
How much green pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of chopped green pepper.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One large onion should be diced before being added to the crock pot.
How many beef bouillon cubes are required?
The recipe requires 4 beef bouillon cubes, which should be crumbled or dissolved.
When should the soup be stirred?
Gently stir the soup to combine the flavors only when the cooking time is nearly complete.
Is this soup considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a filling one-dish meal that combines meat, vegetables, and grains.
What should I do with the beef bouillon cubes?
You should dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in the beef broth before pouring it over the other ingredients.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt.
Can I adjust the beef broth amount?
Yes, feel free to adjust the beef broth to your liking for a more robust flavor.
What is the texture of the barley in this soup?
The barley provides a nutty flavor and a satisfying, chewy texture to the soup.
Is the beef broth canned or fresh?
The recipe specifically lists 10 ounces of canned beef broth.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
Tags include beef, barley, soup, crock pot, one dish meal, comfort food, and slow cooker.
Is the parsley fresh or dried?
The ingredient list specifies 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, usually implying fresh.
How many ingredients are in the Hearty Beef and Barley Soup?
There are a total of 13 ingredients in this recipe.
What type of beef is best for this slow cooker soup?
Beef stew meat is ideal as it becomes tender during the long slow-cooking process.
Is this a good recipe for family gatherings?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for cozy family gatherings and chilly evenings.
Why shouldn't I stir the soup while it cooks?
Not stirring is crucial for achieving the intended well-rounded flavor and specific texture of the layered ingredients.