Thick Crockpot Beef And Barley Soup
**Introduction**
When the wind howls and the temperature drops, nothing provides a sanctuary of warmth quite like a bowl of Thick Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup. This is not a thin broth; it is a robust, deeply satisfying meal-in-a-bowl. Tender chunks of beef slowly melt into a rich, savory gravy, while hearty barley plumps up, releasing its nutty flavor and creating a wonderfully thick, almost stew-like consistency. Earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, and aromatic herbs round out this symphony of comfort. It is the culinary equivalent of a warm embrace—hearty, nourishing, and deeply comforting. This soup is perfect for busy weeks, as your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, filling your home with an irresistible aroma and delivering a flawless meal with minimal effort. It’s a classic recipe that promises and delivers profound satisfaction with every spoonful.
**Perfect for:**
* Chilly Weeknights with Zero Fuss
* Cozy Weekend Meal Prep
* Holiday Leftovers (using leftover roast beef)
* Feeding a Hungry Crowd at Gatherings
* Post-Outdoor Activity Recovery (skiing, hiking, etc.)
**Why You’ll Love This Thick Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup Recipe**
* **Set-It-And-Forget-It Simplicity:** The slow cooker is the star. A brief bit of prep in the morning results in a perfectly cooked, complex-tasting soup ready by dinnertime, with no need to watch the pot.
* **Deep, Savory Flavor:** Browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables before they go into the pot builds a foundational *fond* (the browned bits) that translates into layers of rich, meaty flavor in the finished soup.
* **Ultimate Comfort Food Texture:** The pearl barley acts as a natural thickener, absorbing the delicious broth and transforming the soup into a luxuriously thick and hearty consistency that is incredibly satisfying.
* **Freezer-Friendly Champion:** This soup freezes exceptionally well, making it a brilliant make-ahead option for future quick dinners or easy lunches.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 hours (on LOW)
Servings: 6-8 generous servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 420-480 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 420-480 kcal
**Protein:** 32g
**Carbohydrates:** 35g
**Fat:** 18g
**Fiber:** 6g
**Sugar:** 5g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileen recipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* 2 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
* ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large yellow onion, diced
* 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
* 3 celery stalks, diced
* 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* ¾ cup dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon) or additional beef broth
* 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
* 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
* 2 bay leaves
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* ¾ cup uncooked pearl barley, rinsed
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Season and Dredge the Beef:** Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the beef with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and the flour until evenly coated.
2. **Sear the Beef:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding, add the beef and sear on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer the seared beef to the bowl of your slow cooker.
3. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until beginning to soften. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they release their moisture. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. **Deglaze the Pan:** Pour the red wine into the hot skillet, scraping the bottom vigorously with a wooden spoon to release all the flavorful browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
5. **Combine in Slow Cooker:** Transfer the entire contents of the skillet (vegetables and liquid) to the slow cooker with the beef. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.
6. **Cook:** Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours.
7. **Add Barley:** After 7 hours, stir in the rinsed pearl barley. Cover and continue to cook on LOW for 1 additional hour, or until the barley is tender and the soup has thickened.
8. **Final Seasoning:** Discard the bay leaves. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
9. **Serve:** Ladle the thick soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
**How to Serve Thick Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup**
* As a complete main course with a slice of crusty sourdough bread or a warm, buttery dinner roll for dipping.
* Alongside a crisp, simple green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness.
* Topped with a dollop of tangy sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly grated horseradish for a flavor boost.
* Perfect for a potluck or family gathering; it travels well in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting.
**Additional Tips for Thick Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup**
* For the best texture and flavor, take the time to properly brown the beef. This step is non-negotiable for depth.
* If you prefer a thicker soup, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the hot soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* For a richer, deeper color and flavor, use a full-bodied dry red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
**Recipe Variations of Thick Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup**
* **Mushroom & Lentil Version:** Omit the beef and use 1 cup of brown lentils (rinsed) and an extra 8 oz of mushrooms. Use vegetable broth and add the lentils at the same time as the barley.
* **”Clean the Fridge” Herb Version:** Add a Parmesan rind to the pot while cooking, and finish the soup with a handful of chopped fresh dill or rosemary instead of parsley.
* **Spicy Kick Version:** Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of red pepper flakes with the dried thyme. Garnish with sliced jalapeño.
**Freezing and Storage for Thick Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup**
**Storage:** Allow the soup to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
**Freezing:** This soup freezes excellently for up to 3 months. Freeze in individual portions or family-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
**FAQ Section about Thick Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup**
* **Can I cook this on HIGH?** Yes. Cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours, adding the barley after 3.5 hours. However, LOW heat yields more tender beef.
* **Can I use quick-cooking barley?** Do not use quick barley. It will turn to mush. Only use traditional pearl barley for this recipe.
* **My soup is too thick after storing.** The barley continues to absorb liquid. Simply thin it out with a little broth or water when reheating.
**Conclusion of Thick Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup Recipe**
Thick Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup is the quintessential winter kitchen staple. It marries the unparalleled convenience of slow-cooker cooking with the profound, soul-warming flavors of a from-scratch masterpiece. This recipe delivers a satisfying, protein-packed meal that requires mere minutes of hands-on time, yet tastes like you labored over the stove for hours. It is forgiving, versatile, and reliably delicious—a true testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed by time and low heat. Make this soup once, and it will earn a permanent spot in your cold-weather rotation, ready to provide warmth and comfort whenever you need it most.