Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup is loaded with tender beef, vegetables, and barley in a fragrant broth. There’s no pre-cooking required – just combine everything in the slow cooker, simmer it low all day, and come home to this comforting meal.

This time of year, my idea of busy weeknight heaven is coming home to a hearty, savory soup simmering in the slow cooker. Beef and Barley Soup is one of my all-time favorites. I always serve it with warm, crusty bread, but it really doesn’t need anything on the side at all – it’s a complete meal in a bowl. The best part of this soup? The super fragrant, rich broth that comes from the meat, vegetables, and dried herbs simmering together.

• 1 Onions, chopped
• 3 stalks Celery, sliced
• 8 ounces Carrots, sliced into rounds
• 4 cloves Garlic, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 1 14-ounce can Diced Tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
• 6 cups Beef Broth
• 1/3 cup Pearl Barley
• 1 pound Beef Stew Meat (should come sliced into cubes)
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 Tablespoon Parsley, curly or flat-leaf, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
• Baguette (optional, for serving)