Bacon-Beef Barley Soup

Total Time

Prep: 40 min. Cook: 7 hours

Makes

7 servings

Updated: Feb. 28, 2023
Here’s a robust dish that’s perfect for hungry teenagers! Served over creamy mashed potatoes, this quick, comforting soup really hits the spot. —Cathy Peterson, Menominee, Michigan
Bacon-Beef Barley Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 4 bacon strips, chopped
  • 1-1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 medium red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1-1/2 cups fresh baby carrots, cut in half lengthwise
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1/4 cup medium pearl barley
  • 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) beef broth
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with basil, oregano and garlic, undrained
  • 1 jar (12 ounces) home-style beef gravy
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Mashed potatoes, optional

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain. In the drippings, cook beef and onion until meat is browned, breaking it into crumbles; drain.
  2. In a 5-qt. slow cooker, layer the potatoes, carrots, corn and barley. Top with beef mixture and bacon. Combine the broth, tomatoes, gravy and pepper; pour over top (do not stir).
  3. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender. Stir before serving. Serve over mashed potatoes if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups: 319 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 1218mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.