1. In a slow cooker, combine beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, and garlic. Optional: Brown beef before putting into slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix tomato paste, beef base, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Spread this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
3. Add thyme sprigs and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
4. Pour in beef broth/stock until the ingredients are covered.
5. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in pearl barley. (Note: While you can add this in the beginning, for a less mushy barley, we like it in at the end.)
Continue cooking until barley is tender and stew has thickened, usually 30-40 minutes more.
7. Before serving, remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve the hearty beef and barley stew hot, and enjoy!
Note: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the broth.
With its robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup is a fantastic dish to warm your soul. Whether served as a standalone meal or paired with complementary sides, it is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and nourishing bowl of soup.