Slow Cooker Beef Soup with Couscous
Cozy Up with Slow Cooker Beef Soup with Couscous: The Ultimate Comfort Food
As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty soup to nourish the soul. Today, we’re sharing a recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Soup with Couscous that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. This isn’t just any beef soup; it’s a flavorful, tender, and incredibly easy meal that practically makes itself!
This recipe leverages the magic of the slow cooker, allowing the beef to become fall-apart tender over hours of gentle simmering. The addition of couscous transforms the soup into a complete and satisfying meal, adding a delightful texture and subtle nutty flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a comforting bowl of goodness.
What makes this soup so special?
- Effortless Cooking: Seriously, the slow cooker does all the work! Minimal prep time and maximum flavor.
- Tender Beef: The long, slow cooking process ensures the beef is incredibly tender and juicy.
- Flavorful Broth: A combination of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and a touch of soy sauce creates a rich and savory broth.
- Hearty and Filling: The addition of couscous makes this soup a complete meal, keeping you satisfied for hours.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as potatoes, green beans, or spinach.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Soup:
- Sear the Beef (Optional): While not necessary, searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker will add an extra layer of flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Leave about an inch of space at the top of the slow cooker to prevent overflow.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright and vibrant finish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a different type of beef?
A: Yes, you can. Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking, but you can also use round roast or brisket.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The soup actually tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread, a side salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Q: Can I use a different type of couscous?
A: Yes, you can. Israeli couscous (pearl couscous) is recommended for its texture, but you can use regular couscous if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as regular couscous cooks faster.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Soup with Couscous as much as we do! It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day and bring your family together.
Slow Cooker Beef Soup with Couscous
Ingredients
- 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes undrained
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp thyme
- 2 bay leaves bay leaves
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1.5-2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- salt to taste salt
- pepper to taste pepper
Instructions
- In the base of your slow cooker, combine the diced tomatoes and their juice, tomato paste, beef broth, soy sauce, stirring until well mixed. Add the thyme, bay leaves, onion, garlic, carrots, celery.
- Season the beef all over with salt and pepper; add to the slow cooker, pushing it down to cover with the liquid. Cover and cook on low until the beef is so tender that it can easily be pulled apart with a fork, 9-10 hours (or cook on high for 6-7 hours)
- Transfer the beef to a large plate or cutting board and use two forks to shred into bite-size chunks, discarding any pieces of fat and grisle. Discard the bay leaves.
- Stir the pearl couscous into the soup in the slow cooker. Cover and cook until tender, 10-15 minutes. Return the shredded beef to the soup. Add the parsley. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve.
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