Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 370 min
Servings: 10
Yield: 10 servings

Description

This hearty beef barley soup is loaded with tender cubes of beef, colorful veggies, and fluffy barley in a rich broth for a nourishing winter meal.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless lean beef, cubed
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
6 cups water, divided
3 (10 1/2 ounce) cans beef broth
6 medium carrots, chopped
6 medium green onions, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup barley
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

1 Gather the ingredients.
2 Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add beef and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then transfer mixture to a slow cooker.
3 Add a few tablespoons water to the skillet. Stir over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits with a spoon. Transfer liquid and browned bits to the slow cooker.
4 Add remaining water, broth, carrots, green onions, celery, barley, and parsley. Cover and cook on Low until vegetables and barley are tender, 6 to 8 hours.
5 Stir in thyme just before serving.