Beef Barley Soup

Beef Barley Soup is a meal-in-one loaded with tender, beef, nutritious veggies and plump barley made super easy in the crockpot! 

This Beef Barley Soup recipe is rich, hearty, satisfying comfort food with huge flavor and minimal effort!  Itโ€™s loaded with buttery beef, onions, carrots, potatoes, celery and perfectly textured barley in a rich, flavorful beef broth.  This Beef and Barley Soup is the perfect make-ahead dinner, reheats beautifully and freezes well too!  It is an old comforting classic waiting to become a new family favorite! 

Beef and Barley Soup Video

two hands holding a bowl of beef barley soup garnished with parsley


 

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Beef Barley Soup Recipe

There is nothing like being welcomed home by a waft of savory, hearty Crockpot Beef Barley Soup; just lift the lid and dinner is served. This Beef and Barley Soup recipe is an explosion melt-in-your-mouth succulent beef, tender veggies and hearty barley enveloped in a warm, fragrant, flavorful broth.  Itโ€™s savory, rich, comforting, and everything a winter soup should be. Itโ€™s made in the slow cooker for extra ease and perfect melt-in-your mouth beef every time.    

Why youโ€™ll love this Beef Barley Soup Recipe:

  • DELICIOUS.  This Beef and Barley Soup is wonderfully hearty with juicy, buttery beef, and tender veggies all swimming in a broth spiked with aromatic onions and garlic, soy sauce for extra depth, Worcestershire for a slight tang, beef bouillon for rich beefy flavor, tomato paste for a hint of tomato, and a bevy of handpicked seasonings.  They all work together to create a delectable spectrum of flavor in every luscious slurpful.
  • Crockpot:  By cooking the Beef and Barley Soup in the crockpot, all of the ingredients cook for the same amount of time verses on the stove in which the beef cooks first and then you add the veggies and barley later, stirring occasionally โ€“ totally doable, just not as hands-off.  In crockpot Beef Barley Soup, you sear the beef, add all the ingredients and go about your day until the beef is buttery tender.  The entire soup is richly satisfying and beautifully flavorful from slow cooking all day.
  • EASY.  Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup combines my favorite ways to make an EASY meal โ€“ soup and the slow cooker!  The most time-consuming part of this soup is chopping the carrots, celery, potatoes, onions and garlic but itโ€™s easy and mindless and can be done ahead of time. 
  • Meal-in-one.  This Beef and Barley Soup is loaded with beef and veggies so itโ€™s a meal-in-one all made in your crockpot!  You can skip the sides all together because it is stand-alone worthy with plenty of fiber from barley or serve it with no-fuss sides like a simple green salad and crusty bread.
  • Makes a large quantity.  This easy Beef Barley Soup makes a hearty crockpot full so itโ€™s perfect to feed your entire family (hopefully with leftovers), for meal planning or company โ€“ all at the fraction of the price of dining out.
  • Pep Ahead & Make Ahead.  You can prep the entire Beef and Barley Soup recipe up to the point of cooking and just leave it in the crockpot ceramic insert in your refrigerator then cook when ready OR you it can be made days in advance and reheated because it tastes even better the next day!
  • Freezer friendly.  You can freeze Crockpot Beef Barley Soup and pull it out for busy nights ahead!

Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup ingredients

Iโ€™m going to go into further depth on the two main characters in Beef Barley Soup โ€“ the beef and the barley โ€“ below, but hereโ€™s an outline of the pantry friendly ingredients youโ€™ll need to make this tantalizing soup:

  • Chuck roast:  use boneless chuck roast with rich marbling trimmed of excess fat.
  • Barley:  use pearl barley because it cooks in the same amount of time as the rest of the slow cooker ingredients and boasts an ideal texture.   
  • Potatoes:  are optional, but I love the tender, morsels with beef and barley.  You will want to use a waxy potato such as red potatoes, Yukon, new potatoes or fingerling potatoes.  Waxy potatoes do not absorb moisture while they cook so they retain their shape despite extended high heat.  Do NOT use russet potatoes because they are very starchy, easily absorb liquid and will fall apart or become mealy.
  • Carrots:  medium potatoes will do the trick.  Please donโ€™t use baby carrots as they arenโ€™t nearly as flavorful. 
  • Celery:  slice the celery about 1/2″-inch thick because it is a quicker cooking vegetable.  By chopping the celery larger than the carrots, they cook in the same amount of time.
  • Aromatics: onions and garlic are flavor powerhouses and absolutely essential.
  • Fire roasted diced tomatoes:  are tomatoes that have been roasted which gives them a complex smokiness and removes the acidic bite.   Fire roasted tomatoes are located next to the traditional diced tomatoes โ€“ just make sure you purchase the ones without any added seasonings.
  • Oil: use a high smoking point oil such as vegetable oil to sear the beef and not olive oil.
  • Beef Broth: use low sodium beef broth so we can control the salt level and add salty beef bouillon for more concentrated beef flavor.
  • Worcestershire sauce: adds a depth of complex savory, slightly tangy flavor.
  • Soy sauce:  is my secret weapon, I even add it to my marinara sauce!  It adds additional salty, savory flavor and helps tenderize the beef.
  • Tomato paste:  adds just a hint of tomato essence to complement the flavor profile.  To store unused tomato paste: line one tablespoon portions on a parchment paper lined baking sheet so they arenโ€™t touching.  Freeze until solid, about one hour, then cut the parchment paper around each tablespoon, then wrap up and freeze together in a sealable bag or container.  Now you have 1-tablespoon portions at your fingertips without wasting the whole jar!
  • Beef bouillon:  adds a depth of concentrated beefy flavor.  You may also use an equal amount of better than bouillon. 
  • Seasonings:  we make our own Italian seasoning blend with dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and dried parsley with splashes of flavor from ground cumin, paprika and ground mustard. 

Can I Add Wine?

You may add ½ cup red wine to this crockpot Beef Barley Soup recipe along with the beef broth โ€“ but I donโ€™t think it needs it!  No need to reduce the beef broth or other liquid.

showing how to make beef barley soup recipe by searing beef in cast iron skillet

What is the Best Beef for soup?

The best cut of beef for slow cooking soup is boneless beef chuck roast. It boasts succulent, beefy flavor and melt-in-your mouth texture due to its rich marbling. It is guaranteed to become fall apart tender when cooked long enough.

You can purchase a single roast from your butcher and chop it yourself which ensures every bite is the same cut of beef (imagine that!) and is (roughly) the same size so it cooks evenly.  I like to purchase my chuck roast at Costco because one package includes two roasts for a great price.  You can use one for this Beef Barley Soup and freeze another for whenever youโ€™re ready to make it again or use it for Beef Stew, Beef Tips and Gravy, Italian Beef, Mississippi Pot Roast, Crockpot Pot Roast or French Dips,  

Can I use Stew Meat?

Many Beef and Barley Soup recipes call for stew meat which is okay but not the best.  Stew meat is a hodgepodge of different cuts of meat all packed together โ€“ some better cuts than others.  This creates a problem because not all cuts of meat cook the same due to their meat to fat ratio so you are left with tender bites, tough bites and rubbery bites โ€“ all in the same stew!  If you want the best Beef Barley Soup, stick with chuck roast which is considered the โ€œMercedesโ€ of roasts โ€“ you will not be sorry!

Can I use leftover meat?

Yes!  You are welcome to cook the Beef and Barley Soup according to directions then stir in leftover pot roast, leftover steak or roast beef and warm through. 

Can I use ground beef?

Yes!  You can make this Beef and Barley Soup in about 35 minutes on the stove if you choose to use ground beef. 

To make Ground BEEF BARLEY SOUP:

  • Heat a large Dutch oven over medium high heat.  Brown beef and onions.
  • Add potatoes, celery, carrots and garlic and sautรฉ for 1 minute.
  • Add all of the remaining ingredients, including the barley and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce to a simmer and cook until barley is cooked and vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.

ALL ABOUT BARLEY

WHAT DOES BARLEY TASTE LIKE?

What sets Beef and Barley Soup apart from other stews and beef soups is the use of barley.  Barley is a grain that is very similar in size and texture to brown rice with an almost nutty flavor.  It is difficult to overcook so it adds a chewy, hearty texture. 

What type of barley is best for soup?

There are about five different types of barley but I recommend using pearl barley in this crockpot Beef and Barley Soup recipe.  If you are cooking it on the stove, you may use hulled barley.

Pearl barley is barley that has bean โ€œpearledโ€ or polished to remove the tough outer bran layer and hull.  This leaves only the edible, chewy and nutritious portion of the barley.  I use pearl barley in this Beef Barley Soup recipe because it cooks in the same amount of time as the other ingredients in the slow cooker. 

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE PEARL BARLEY?

Pearl barley is the most common type of barley used in cooking, in fact, most recipes call for pearl barley or intend for cooks to use this type of barley if the recipe doesnโ€™t specify.  This is good news for us because it means pearl barley should be easy to find at your grocery store located with the other grains.  If your grocery store doesnโ€™t carry pearl barley, then there are many options on Amazon. 

Is PEARL BARLEY HEALTHY?

Pearl barley is technically a refined rain and not a whole grain because the outer husk and bran layers have been removed.  It is still much healthier than other refined grains because it contains a healthy amount of fiber. 

Do you cook barley before adding to soup?

Nope! No need to cook the barley before adding it to the soup. It will cook directly in the beef broth and soak up all the yummy flavor.

How Long Does it take to cook Barley?

  • Crockpot:  Pearl barley is perfect for crockpot Beef Barley Soup because you can dump the barley, beef and vegetables into the crockpot together and they will cook in the same amount of time, about 4-6 hours on HIGH or 8-10 hours on LOW. 
  • Stove:  If you choose to make Beef and Barley Soup on the stove, you will want to cook the beef until tender about 1 hour, and then add the vegetables and pearl barley and cook for about 35 minutes. 

Can I use WHOLE BARLEY?

Whole barley, hulled barley or barley groats, is the whole grain form of barley, with only the outermost hull removed.  I do not recommend using hulled barley for this slow cooker Beef Barley Soup recipe because it wonโ€™t be cooked by the time your beef and vegetables are done.  You may, however, use hulled barley if you are making the soup on the stove. 

In my current stove top directions, I state to add the pearl barley after the meat has been cooking for one hour.  With hulled barley, however, you will want to the barley to the soup at the very beginning with the beef because it takes over an hour to cook. 

showing how to make slow cooker beef barley soup recipe by cooking in slow cooker until beef is tender

How to Make Crockpot Beef Barley Soup

This Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup is SO simple to make once your veggies are chopped. To make:

  • Sear Beef:  First, season your meat with salt and pepper while it is still on the cutting board. There is no need to coat your beef in flour. Heat oil over high heat in a large cast iron skillet. Using tongs, sear meat on all sides until browned. If you donโ€™t have a cast iron skillet, you can use another well-seasoned pan, it will just take a little longer to brown.
  • Add ingredients to crockpot:  Add the beef to the slow cooker along with all of the remaining ingredients, including the barley, and give them a stir.
  • Cook:  Cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours or on LOW for 8-10 hours or until beef and vegetables are very tender. Discard bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Make Beef and Barley Soup on the Stove

  • Sear Beef:  Chop meat into bite size pieces. While meat is still on the cutting board, toss it with 1 teaspoon salt and ยฝ teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium high heat. Once very hot, add half of the beef and let cook undisturbed for approximately 2 minutes, or until nicely seared on one side; flip beef over and sear the other side then continue to cook while stirring until beef is browned all over but not cooked through. Remove beef to a plate then repeat with remaining beef; transfer remaining beef to a plate.
  • Sautรฉ onions:  To the same pot (donโ€™t wipe out) add onions and cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes (add oil if there isnโ€™t enough leftover from the beef), add garlic and sautรฉ 30 seconds. 
  • Add ingredients:  Return beef to pot and add all remaining ingredients except potatoes, carrots, celery and barley. 
  • Simmer beef:  Cover and bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.  Simmer, covered, for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally and replacing lid, until beef is tender.
  • Add vegetables and barley:  Add barley, potatoes, carrots, and celery and continue to cook an additional 35 minutes or until the barley is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
top view of beef barley soup with beef, carrots, celery onions and barley

How do you make beef tender in soup?

In order for this Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup recipe be a success, the beef MUST be tender.  This requires the right cut of beef, searing the beef and cooking the beef long enough.

  1. Cut of beef: As previously discussed, boneless chuck roast will deliver buttery tender results due to its rich marbling.  If you choose another cut of beef, be aware it might not deliver as spectacular results.  It might become tender, but it wonโ€™t be as flavorful.
  2. Sear beef: Searing seals in the juices so the beef doesnโ€™t dry out when cooked for an extended period of time.  The caramelized crust achieved by the Maillard reaction also delivers a rich, depth of flavor that canโ€™t be achieved any other way.  I brown my beef in my cast iron skillet in order to achieve a deeply golden crust.  If you donโ€™t have a cast iron pan, then any heavy bottom pan will do, it will just take a little longer.  Take care to work in batches and not to overcrowd your pan or else the beef will steam and not sear.
  3. Cook until tender.  I learned this trick from my Mom’s Crazy Tender Pot Roast.  If your beef isnโ€™t crazy tender, then cook on!  It just means the proteins needs more time to break down and tenderize. Even 30 more minutes in the crockpot can make the world of difference between an โ€œokayโ€ beef and melt-in-your-mouth beef.

Do you have to cook the meat before you put it in the slow cooker?

Technically, you do not have to cook your beef chunks before adding to the slow cooker, but I HIGHLY recommend it for the best Beef Barley Soup.  If you don’t sear your meat beforehand, you will miss out on the complex caramelized flavor that comes from the deeply golden crust.  You can’t fake this rich flavor any other way. 

How Do You Thicken Beef and Barley Soup?

Beef and Barley Soup is not meant to be thick like beef stew.  It is hearty due to the barley but boasts a thin beef broth verses a gravy-like broth.  If you prefer a thicker gravy-like, broth, you can use any of these following methods:

  • Cornstarch:  Remove some broth from the soup and whisk in 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch with a fork until smooth then whisk it back into the soup.  Turn slow cooker to high and cook until thickened, about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Flour and butter:  Mix equal parts flour and softened butter together with a fork so it becomes a thick paste and almost forms a ball.  You will want 2-4 tablespoons each, depending on how thick you want the soup.  Add it to the soup, stir, and cook on high until thickened, about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Mash potatoes:  Remove some of the potatoes, mash them and return them to the soup. Mashed potatoes are a natural thickener.  Alternatively, you can microwave a few potatoes separately, mash them and add them to the soup if you donโ€™t want to use any from the stew.
showing how to serve slow cooker  beef barley soup by scooping up a spoonful of soup in a ladle

Can I Cook on High Heat?

Technically yes, you can cook slow cooker Beef Barley Soup on high heat but I recommend cooking low and slow for best results.  When cooked on low, the beef has more time for the collagen to slowly break down into gelatin which equates to the most tender beef. 

If you donโ€™t have enough time to prep the soup in the morning and cook a full 8-10 hours, then prep it the night before (see instructions) and set your alarm to make the low cook time possible โ€“ you will be rewarded with juicy tender results.  Alternatively, you can speed up the cooking process by cooking the soup on high for a couple hours to give it a jump start then turning it back to low finish cooking.

Why is my beef tough?

If your beef is tough, it is possible you didnโ€™t use a boneless chuck roast, in which cases some cuts of meat will never become melt-in-your-mouth tender OR more likely, you did not cook your beef long enough.  If your beef is tough, cook on!  It may need just an extra 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.  Your Beef and Barley Soup is only done when the beef is crazy tender. 

HELPFUL TIPS TO MAKE the best Beef and Barley Soup

Here’s a recap of some tips and tricks for the most successful Beef and Barley Soup recipe:

  • Use beef chuck instead of stew meat โ€“ you can taste the difference!
  • Donโ€™t skip searing the beef for maximum flavor and juiciness.
  • Use pearl barley so it is done in the same amount of time as the beef.
  • Use low sodium beef broth and soy sauce, otherwise the broth will taste too salty.
  • Donโ€™t use Russet potatoes or they will fall apart and turn mealy.
  • You can swap the potatoes, carrots and celery for other root veggies such as parsnips, turnips, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes or substitute them with additional barley.
  • Slice the carrots about ยผโ€ and the celery ยฝโ€ thick so they cook in the same amount of time.
  • Cook on LOW for the most succulent tender beef.  

WHAT CAN I PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME?

Although this Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup is very easy to make, it does require a good amount of prep work.  Fortunately, you can do ALL of the prep work ahead of time:

  • Beef:  trim and chop the beef into pieces the night before.  You can even sear the beef the night before.  Make sure your beef cools to room temperature before sealing in an airtight container and placing in the refrigerator.
  • Veggies:  chop all the vegetables and aromatics the night before and place them in an airtight container.  The only vegetable you will have to keep separate is the potatoes.  Chopped potatoes need to be submerged in water, covered with plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator or else they will brown due to oxidation.  By keeping them submerged, however, I guarantee they will look as good as new!
  • Everything:  You can completely assemble the Beef and Barley Soup in the crockpot and refrigerate the ceramic insert.   This makes for a hassle free, no fuss morning! Just be aware you may need to add additional cooking time and a little extra broth at the end of cooking.

How Do I Store Beef Barley Soup?

Once your Crockpot Beef Barley Soup has cooled to room temperature, you can remove the pot from the slow cooker and put the whole insert (lid on) in the refrigerator. You can also transfer the soup to an airtight container.  Plan on consuming within 3-4 days.

showing how to make crockpot beef and barley soup by adding beef broth to adjust consistency

HOW DO I REHEAT Beef Barley Soup recipe?

  • Crockpot:  To reheat your Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup, place the ceramic crockpot insert back into your crockpot and heat on low for 1-3 hours.  The time will depend on how much soup you have remaining.
  • Stove:  Alternatively, you can reheat large batches on the stove over medium low heat, stirring occasionally until the beef is heated through to 165 degrees F, about 20 minutes.
  • Microwave:  For smaller batches or individual servings, Beef Barley Soup reheats beautifully in the microwave.  Transfer soup to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel.  Microwave for 2 minutes, stir, then continue to microwave for 30-second intervals, if needed.

CAN I FREEZE Beef Barley Soup recipe?

If you are making Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup to freeze, then I would omit the potatoes because potatoes do not freeze-and-reheat well.  They turn into a bizarre, mushy texture. 

You can still enjoy potatoes in your current soup and freeze the leftovers without potatoes by cooking the potatoes separately.  To steam your potatoes, place them in a microwave safe bowl with about ยผโ€ of water up the sides, cover, and microwave until tender, about 8 minutes.  Add potatoes to the portion of the soup you are not freezing.

To freeze Beef Barley Soup:

  1. Cool: Allow Beef and Barley Soup to cool completely before freezing to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.
  2. Package:  Transfer soup to an airtight freezer safe container or freezer bag.  You can even use sandwich size plastic bags for individual stew portions.  Squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn and label
  3. Freeze. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  4. Defrost/Reheat. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator then reheat in the microwave, crockpot or stove according to aforementioned instructions.

WHAT GOES WELL WITH BEEF BARLEY SOUP?

This Beef and Barley Soup boasts beef, veggies and grains, so the side dishes can be minimal.  

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up close of a spoonful of beef, barley, carrots and potatoes

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ยฉCarlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com

Beef Barley Soup

This Beef Barley Soup recipe is rich, hearty, satisfying comfort food with huge flavor and minimal effort! Itโ€™s loaded with buttery beef, onions, carrots, potatoes, celery and perfectly textured barley in a rich, flavorful beef broth. This Beef and Barley Soup is the perfect make-ahead dinner, reheats beautifully and freezes well too! It is an old comforting classic waiting to become a new family favorite!
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours

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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Chop beef into bite size pieces. While beef is still on the cutting board, toss it with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add half of the beef to the very hot skillet and let cook undisturbed for approximately 2 minutes, or until nicely seared on one side; flip beef over and sear the other side then continue to cook while stirring until beef is browned all over but not cooked through. Remove beef to 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Repeat with remaining beef.
  • Add all of the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and give them a stir.
  • Cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours or on LOW for 8-10 hours or until vegetables are tender and beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Discard bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Video

Notes

Don’t miss the “how to make” recipe video at the top of the post!

How to Make Beef Barley Soup on the Stove

  • Sear Beef:ย  Chop meat into bite size pieces. While meat is still on the cutting board, toss it with 1 teaspoon salt and ยฝ teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium high heat. Once very hot, add half of the beef and let cook undisturbed for approximately 2 minutes, or until nicely seared on one side; flip beef over and sear the other side then continue to cook while stirring until beef is browned all over but not cooked through. Remove beef to a plate then repeat with remaining beef; transfer remaining beef to a plate.
  • Sautรฉ onions:ย  To the same pot (donโ€™t wipe out) add onions and cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes (add oil if there isnโ€™t enough leftover from the beef), add garlic and sautรฉ 30 seconds.ย 
  • Add ingredients:ย  Return beef to pot and add all remaining ingredients except potatoes, carrots, celery and barley.ย 
  • Simmer beef:ย  Cover and bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.ย  Simmer, covered, for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally and replacing lid, until beef is tender.
  • Add vegetables and barley:ย  Add barley, potatoes, carrots, and celery and continue to cook an additional 35 minutes or until the barley is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

Ground BEEF BARLEYย SOUP:

  • Heat a large Dutch oven over medium high heat. ย Brown beef and onions.
  • Add potatoes, celery, carrots and garlic and sautรฉ for 1 minute.
  • Add all of the remaining ingredients, including the barley and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until barley is cooked and vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.

Can I use leftover meat?

Yes!ย  You are welcome to cook the Beef and Barley Soup according to directions then stir in leftover pot roast, leftover steak or roast beef and warm through.ย 

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE PEARL BARLEY?

Pearl barley is the most common type of barley used in cooking, in fact, most recipes call for pearl barley or intend for cooks to use this type of barley if the recipe doesnโ€™t specify.ย  This is good news for us because it means pearl barley should be easy to find at your grocery store located with the other grains.ย  If your grocery store doesnโ€™t carry pearl barley, then there are many options on Amazon.ย 

PREP AHEADย 

Although this Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup is very easy to make, it does require a good amount of prep work.ย  Fortunately, you can do ALL of the prep work ahead of time:
  • Beef: ย trim and chop the beef into pieces the night before.ย  You can even sear the beef the night before. ย Make sure your beef cools to room temperature before sealing in an airtight container and placing in the refrigerator.
  • Veggies: ย chop all the vegetables and aromatics the night before and place them in an airtight container.ย  The only vegetable you will have to keep separate is the potatoes.ย  Chopped potatoes need to be submerged in water, covered with plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator or else they will brown due to oxidation.ย  By keeping them submerged, however, I guarantee they will look as good as new!
  • Everything:ย  You can completely assemble the Beef and Barley Soup in the crockpot and refrigerate the ceramic insert.ย  ย This makes for a hassle free, no fuss morning! Just be aware you may need to add additional cooking time and a little extra broth at the end of cooking.

CAN I FREEZE Beef Barley Soup recipe?

If you are making Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup to freeze, then I would omit the potatoes because potatoes do not freeze-and-reheat well.ย  They turn into a bizarre, mushy texture.ย 
You can still enjoy potatoes in your current soup and freeze the leftovers without potatoes by cooking the potatoes separately. ย To steam your potatoes, place them in a microwave safe bowl with about ยผโ€ of water up the sides, cover, and microwave until tender, about 8 minutes.ย  Add potatoes to the portion of the soup you are not freezing.
To freeze Beef Barley Soup:
  1. Cool:ย Allow Beef and Barley Soup to cool completely before freezing to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.
  2. Package:ย  Transfer soup to an airtight freezer safe container or freezer bag.ย  You can even use sandwich size plastic bags for individual stew portions.ย  Squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn and label
  3. Freeze. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  4. Defrost/Reheat. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator then reheat in the microwave, crockpot or stove according to aforementioned instructions.

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25 Comments

  1. KC says

    Any ideas for making a vegetarian barley soup?

    • Jen says

      Hi KC, you can just scale up all of the veggies and barley. Enjoy!

  2. Cheryl says

    Loved this soup so much, best tasting barley soup I’ve ever had. Love all the info you wrote with recipe that helps soooo much when cooking!! Just printed my first cookbook for my kids to have and the importance of directions and all those bits of info is so helpful.

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much, Cheryl, I agree! I love that you printed a cookbook for your kids- and I’m sure they do too! ๐Ÿ™‚ I have been working my way through a backlog of comments and see yours somehow got lost in the mix! I appreciate you and hope youโ€™re well!

    • Jen says

      Hi Cheryl,
      Good job! If you are interest in a cookbook, I’m excited to inform you it’s now available for presale! Copy and paste the following into your browser: https://carlsbadcravings.com/home/cookbook/ OR Google “Carlsbad Cravings Cookbook”:
      Happy Cooking!

  3. Joni Schiadaresis says

    Your directions say nothing about when to add the broth.

    • Jen says

      “Add all of the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and give them a stir.” This includes the beef broth.

  4. Tammy says

    This soup was the best Beef and Barley soup I ever made. Used left over steak. I highly recommend this one.

    • Jen says

      Thanks so much for your glowing review Tammy! I’m honored it was the best Beef Barley Soup you’ve ever had!

  5. Daisy says

    Best soup ever! So hearty. Great recipe!

  6. Barbara says

    I can only find quick pearled barley. Do I need to adjust its cooking time?

    • Jen says

      Yes, quick pearl barley will cook much more quickly but I haven’t experimented with it so I can’t give you an exact time. Sorry!

  7. Stephanie says

    Iโ€™d never made or eaten beef barley soup so made it over the weekend. Was a nice, healthy comforting meal when we had temps around zero degrees! Your corn chowder is happening tonight, canโ€™t wait.

    • Jen says

      Zero degrees – ayiyi! I’m glad the beef barley soup could warm you up! I’m excited for you to make the corn chowder as well – one of my favorites!

  8. DM says

    They didnโ€™t have low sodium beef broth at Whole Foods just their regular brand. Should I reduce the broth and add water or use better than bullion for the broth instead?

    • Jen says

      Great question! I would use 5 cups beef broth, 1 cup water, omit the bouillon and then add the bouillon to taste at the end.

  9. Marc N says

    This was a very good recipe that only needed two tweaks in my opinion to be exceptional. After browning the meat in a skillet I added the onions to it at mid high heat to add a bit of color and to release that glorious fond from the pan to further flavor the soup. Tasting the dish throughout I could only discern that it needed a touch of brightness so in my case I added between 3/4 and a tsp of aged balsamic vinegar for acidity. This was a very good recipe overall and I only hope my little tweak brings it even further. Thank you for another winner!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much Marc, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it! Your adjustments sound superb!

  10. Tiffany says

    This is delicious. Deep flavor and a nice broth. I omitted the potatoes because I donโ€™t like the texture after theyโ€™re frozen. Personal choice, really. I doubled the tomatoes because I love them in soups, so I doubled the broth and added water. Your recipes never disappoint. Thank you!

    • Jen says

      Thanks so much Tiffany, I’m so pleased this was another homerun!

  11. Mel says

    Iโ€™d love to try this recipe (because your recipes have never failed me and my whole family loves anything I make from you)! In some other recipes, Iโ€™ve subbed buckwheat groats for barley in order to make the recipe GF. Do you think that would work for this soup as well?

    • Jen says

      I am so glad you and your family have been loving the recipes!! I think the buckwheat groats would be a great substitute. Enjoy!