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Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup with Thyme

Discover the Best Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup with Thyme Bliss

Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup with Thyme is a cozy and hearty dish, perfect for satisfying cravings with tender beef and nutty barley.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast cuts with marbling create tender, juicy bites after slow cooking
  • 1 cup pearl barley adds a nutty texture
  • 2 medium carrots diced to bring natural sweetness
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
For Seasoning & Herbs
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme the star herb
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper to taste
For Finishing Touches
  • 6 cups beef broth rich liquid base
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste for a gentle tang
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gather all items for your Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup with Thyme: beef chuck roast, pearl barley, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, fresh thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
  3. Place diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Stir with tomato paste, coating vegetables evenly.
  4. Pour in beef broth, then tuck in thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper, stirring gently.
  5. Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours (or High for 4 hours), until beef is fork-tender.
  6. Remove lid, stir in pearl barley, then recook on High for 45 minutes.
  7. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Use two forks to shred beef directly in the slow cooker, stirring to distribute.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Enjoy with crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 20mg

Notes

This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or batch cooking.

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