Homemade Beef, Barley & Veggie Soup In The Crockpot

Ingredients:

1.5 lb ground beef

1 onion

3 cloves garlic

1 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes (with juice)

1 green pepper

1.5 cups frozen mixed veggies

1 cup barley

3 ribs celery

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 pack of brown gravy

8 cups beef broth

2 Tbsp red wine

1 Bay leaf

Salt + pepper to taste

Thyme

Knorr chicken bouillon

Red pepper flakes

Italian seasoning

(Sorry I don’t have exact measurements for seasonings, measure with your heart and add whatever you have! I think I added more stuff but I don’t remember lol)

Instructions:

Brown beef in a pan and drain fat.

Add to crockpot. In same pan, cook onions+garlic for ~5 minutes in olive oil.

Add those and all other ingredients (except barely) to crockpot.

Cook on low for ~5-6 hours.

Add barley and cook for another ~1-2 hours.

Take the bay leaf out!!

Notes:

Crockpot Convenience: Utilizing a crockpot for this soup recipe offers convenience and allows for slow cooking, which enhances the flavors and tenderness of the ingredients. It’s a hands-off method that simplifies meal preparation.

Versatile Ingredients: This recipe incorporates a variety of ingredients, including ground beef, vegetables, barley, and seasonings, providing a hearty and nutritious soup. The combination of flavors adds depth to the dish, making it satisfying and comforting.

Customizable Seasonings: The recipe encourages flexibility with seasoning measurements, allowing for personal taste preferences and ingredient availability. Seasonings like thyme, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning enhance the flavor profile, and home cooks are encouraged to adjust quantities according to their preferences.

Brown Gravy Packet: The addition of a brown gravy packet contributes richness and depth to the soup’s broth, providing a savory base. It adds flavor complexity without requiring additional homemade stock or broth.

Barley Addition: Barley adds texture and heartiness to the soup, as well as nutritional benefits. It’s a source of fiber and provides a satisfying chewiness that complements the other ingredients well. Adding it later in the cooking process ensures it doesn’t become overly mushy.

Bay Leaf Reminder: The bay leaf imparts a subtle earthy flavor to the soup but should be removed before serving, as it’s not meant to be eaten. This step is important to prevent accidental consumption of the bay leaf, which can be unpleasant due to its tough texture.

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Long Cooking Time: Cooking the soup on low for 5-6 hours allows the flavors to meld together and develop rich depth. Adding the barley later in the cooking process prevents it from becoming too soft or mushy, ensuring it retains a pleasant chewiness.

Additional Seasoning Suggestions: While the recipe provides a list of seasonings, home cooks are encouraged to experiment and add additional herbs and spices according to personal preference. This allows for creativity in tailoring the soup to individual tastes.

Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to customize the recipe by substituting ingredients based on availability or dietary preferences. For example, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef, and different vegetables can be added or substituted according to personal taste.

Storage and Serving: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or leftovers. It’s a comforting and nourishing dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe.

Adjust cooking times as needed.

Can I use canned diced tomatoes with different seasonings?

Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes with different seasonings, but it may slightly alter the flavor profile of the soup.

Can I omit the brown gravy packet?

While the brown gravy packet adds richness to the broth, you can omit it if desired.

Adjust seasoning and salt levels accordingly.

How do I adjust the cooking time if I want to cook the soup for longer?

If you prefer to cook the soup for longer, you can extend the cooking time on low heat.

Keep an eye on the texture of the ingredients, especially the barley, to prevent overcooking.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed veggies?

Yes, you can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed veggies.

Just ensure they are chopped uniformly and adjust cooking times if needed.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version?

Yes, vegetable broth can be used instead of beef broth to make a vegetarian version of this soup.

It will alter the flavor slightly but still be delicious.

How can I adjust the spice level of the soup?

You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or by omitting them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I use a slow cooker instead of a crockpot?

Yes, a slow cooker and a crockpot are essentially the same thing, so you can use a slow cooker to prepare this recipe.

What other grains can I use instead of barley?

If you don’t have barley, you can substitute it with other grains like rice, quinoa, or farro.

Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I freeze this soup for later use?

Yes, this soup freezes well.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.