5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup
Introduction
This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food—simple, hearty,
and perfect for busy days. With minimal prep and just a few pantry staples, your slow cooker transforms
basic ingredients into a rich, warming soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s ideal for
family dinners, meal prep, or cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds beef stew meat (chuck works best)
- ¾ cup pearl barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 bag (12–16 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 packet onion soup mix
Optional (not counted): salt, pepper, or fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Add the beef stew meat to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the pearl barley evenly over the beef.
- Pour in the beef broth.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the top.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours.
- Stir well before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Description
This soup is thick, filling, and deeply satisfying. The beef becomes tender and flavorful, the barley
softens to a pleasant chew, and the vegetables add color and balance. The onion soup mix brings everything
together with rich, savory depth, making this dish feel homemade and comforting with very little effort.
Tips
- Cut beef into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- If the soup becomes too thick, add extra warm broth before serving.
- For extra flavor, brown the beef briefly before adding it to the slow cooker.
- This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Correction
- Do not use quick-cooking barley—it can turn mushy during long cooking.
- Avoid lifting the lid too often, as it releases heat and slows cooking.
- Do not overfill the slow cooker; leave room for proper simmering.
- Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Enjoy
Serve this hearty beef and barley soup hot with crusty bread or crackers for a complete and comforting meal.
Simple, nourishing, and satisfying—this is slow-cooker comfort food at its best. Enjoy every spoonful!
