This ultra comforting beef barley soup recipe is made easy in the slow cooker, which makes for incredibly tender beef and vegetables with perfectly textured barley!
Prep time: PT15M
Cook time: PT360M
Total time: PT375M
Rating
4.91 stars (182 reviews)
Ingredients
1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 - 1 1/2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch pieces ((Yukon gold or russets are preferred))
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium yellow or sweet onion, peeled and diced
2 ribs celery, sliced in half lengthwise, then cut into 1/2-1 inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp tomato paste
2 Tbsp better than bouillon beef base ((optional but recommended))
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
6 cups beef broth or stock (reduced sodium)
2/3 cup pearl barley
Categories
Entree
Main Course
Cuisine
American
Steps
If desired, heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over MED HIGH heat. Add beef cubes and brown for 1-2 minutes per side.
Add beef and all remaining ingredients to slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours.
Remove bay leaves and thyme stems and serve. Goes perfectly with some crusty bread.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 378 kcal
Reviews
Erin Connelly on 2026-02-01 (5 stars): Made this according to the recipe for the first time today and it was delicious! Very yummy and very filling!
Lori Stone on 2026-01-31 (5 stars): I just made the stovetop version of this it's absolutely delicious. I had to vary it a bit because I didn't have any beef base on hand. I also used chopped sweet potato for half the russet. I served it with the sweet brown Cheesecake Factory rolls. It was so amazing. I can't wait to check out your other recipes!
Sheila on 2026-01-18 (5 stars): Fantastically delicious soup! Added more veggies + large can of diced tomatoes & mushrooms. Will definitely try more of your recipes!
Linda on 2026-01-11 (5 stars): This soup was a wonderful dish to have while watching our favorite football team. Tasty and hearty. Everyone loved it. This is the first recipe that I have tried on your site....can't wait to try more.
sue Fitz on 2026-01-07 (5 stars): I love beef and barley soup and this recipe is good. I do cook the barley separate and add what I need. This makes alot for one person so I do freeze it and that is why I cook the barley separate.
Nawana on 2026-01-06 (5 stars): This turned out wonderful in the crockpot! Great on a cold winters day with homemade dinner buns.
Amber on 2025-12-31 (5 stars): Awesome to make, everyone loved it!
Brian Brandenburg on 2025-12-28 (5 stars): Awesome recipe for a cold winter dinner. My family loved it! Thank you!
Polly on 2025-12-22 (5 stars): This soup is so incredibly hearty & delicious, I've made it twice in a month. We love it!! We been eating a lot of farro lately and enjoying it, so I substitued it for the barley, cooked it ahead and dropped it in during the last half hour. Perfection - especially on a cold, rainy day!
D. Acly on 2025-12-12 (5 stars): I get requests to make this soup often. The flavor is wonderful and leaves you wanting more!! Thank you, Chunky Chef!!
Polly on 2025-12-04 (5 stars): This recipe is absolutely DELICIOUS! I made it exactly as written, and it was hearty and fantastic. Definitely a "make it again" recipe! Thanks Chunky Chef. You are THE BEST!
Liz on 2025-10-16 (5 stars): I make this recipe about 5 times a year and my family loves it! Great for sweata weatha!
N on 2025-10-15 (5 stars): Nice to know all the ingredients can go in at the same time.
