Slow-Cooker Bean & Barley Soup

4.2
(6)
6 Reviews

Get dinner on the table on a busy day with ease with this load-&-go crock pot recipe. This zesty soup can simmer in the crock pot for an entire workday, making it perfect for a busy weekday meal. Bump up the Southwest flavors with a garnished of chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if desired.

By
Carolyn Malcoun
Carolyn Malcoun
Carolyn Malcoun

As EatingWell's Associate Editorial Director, Carolyn Malcoun searches for cool farmers, chefs and other food stories to tell. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin and a culinary arts degree from New England Culinary Institute. She started at EatingWell as an intern in the Test Kitchen in 2005 and joined the editorial team soon after.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on September 19, 2023
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
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Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings
Nutrition Profile:
Nut-Free Dairy-Free Healthy Aging Low-Fat Soy-Free High-Fiber Egg-Free Low-Calorie
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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 1 large stalk celery, diced

  • 1 large carrot, diced

  • 2 cups water

  • 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, "no-chicken" broth or vegetable broth (32-ounce carton)

  • ½ cup pearl barley

  • ⅓ cup dried black beans

  • ⅓ cup dried great northern beans

  • ⅓ cup dried kidney beans

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • ¾ teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Soak black beans, great northern beans and kidney beans in water for at least 6 hours or overnight. Drain and boil in fresh water for 10 minutes. Drain and add to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.

  2. Add oil, onion, celery, carrot, water, broth, barley, chili powder, cumin, oregano and salt to the slow cooker. Cover and cook until the beans are tender, about 3 hours on High or 6 hours on Low.

To Make Ahead

Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, March 2018; updated February 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

196 Calories
4g Fat
32g Carbs
10g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 1/3 cups
Calories 196
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 32g 12%
Dietary Fiber 8g 27%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 10g 20%
Total Fat 4g 5%
Saturated Fat 1g 4%
Vitamin A 2463IU 49%
Vitamin C 3mg 4%
Folate 55mcg 14%
Sodium 402mg 17%
Calcium 57mg 4%
Iron 3mg 15%
Magnesium 39mg 9%
Potassium 466mg 10%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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