Bowl of hearty beef and barley stew with vegetables in a white bowl

Cozy Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Stew

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Created on September 19th, 2025 at 03:58 pm

Hearty, hands-off comfort food for winter days

When the cold weather rolls in, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of beef and barley stew simmered to perfection. This slow cooker beef barley soup is loaded with tender beef, carrots, celery, and hearty barley — and the best part? It takes just 20 minutes of prep and your slow cooker handles the rest! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this soup is rich, satisfying, and ultra-cozy. Whether you’re searching for creamy beef barley soup recipes or just love classic hearty soup recipes, this dish will be a go-to all winter long.❄️🍲

Slow cooked beef barley soup with carrots and herbs

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker beef and barley stew is a cold-weather classic that’s as nourishing as it is easy to make. It’s packed with pantry staples, family-approved flavors, and delivers that stick-to-your-ribs comfort everyone craves. You’ll love how the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making cleanup a breeze. The texture of barley adds that perfect chew, while the slow-simmered beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Plus, this soup is easy to double, freeze, or prep ahead, making it an all-around kitchen hero!


⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
  • Total Time: 6 hrs 30 mins
  • Servings: 10

📝 Ingredients List

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless lean beef, cubed
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 6 cups water, divided
  • 3 (10.5-ounce) cans beef broth
  • 6 medium carrots, chopped
  • 6 medium green onions, chopped
  • 4 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 cup barley
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Slow cooker or crockpot

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the carrots, celery, and green onions. Cube the beef into bite-sized chunks. 🥕🥩
  2. Sear the beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add beef and sauté for about 5 minutes, until browned on all sides.
  3. Season: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Transfer the beef mixture into the slow cooker.
  4. Deglaze the skillet: Add a few tablespoons of water to the skillet. Stir over medium heat, scraping up the browned bits. Pour everything into the slow cooker.
  5. Build the soup: Add the remaining water, beef broth, chopped carrots, green onions, celery, barley, and parsley into the slow cooker.
  6. Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours until vegetables and barley are tender and the beef is melt-in-your-mouth soft.
  7. Finish: Stir in thyme just before serving. The soup should be rich, slightly thickened, and comforting.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge, or freeze for 2–3 months.
  • Substitutions: Try pearl barley or quick barley depending on the texture you prefer. You can also use ground beef for a hamburger and barley soup twist.
  • Meal prep: Chop all veggies and cube the beef the night before for even faster morning prep.
  • Serving ideas: Serve with crusty bread or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a little extra richness.

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 plate30617g20g18g5g3g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

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