How do I make this soup vegetarian?

According to MenuCochon: Simply omit the bacon and replace the beef and chicken broth with vegetable broth. You'll get an equally tasty and nourishing soup.

Why stir the soup every hour?

According to MenuCochon: Barley tends to stick to the bottom of the slow cooker and absorbs a lot of liquid. Stirring regularly ensures even cooking and prevents the barley from burning.

Slow Cooker Barley Bacon Soup Comforting

Name: Slow Cooker Barley Bacon Soup Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 380 min
Yield: 20 portions
Cuisine: Québécoise
Ingredients: 1 package bacon; 2 cans diced tomatoes with herbs and spices; 900 ml beef and chicken broth; 540 ml chickpeas (rinsed and drained); 540 ml corn (drained); 1 cup pearl barley; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 1 tablespoon dried basil; salt and pepper (to taste)

FR|EN

Soups

Slow Cooker Barley Bacon Soup Delight

Prep20 min

Cook360 min

Servings20

DifficultyEasy

By Menucochon|

December 30, 2025

|Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Soups

Slow Cooker Barley Bacon Soup Delight

Prep20 min

Cook360 min

Servings20

DifficultyEasy

By Menucochon|

December 30, 2025

|Updated: Apr 5, 2026

The slow cooker barley bacon soup is a must-have to face the Quebec cold. Imagine a soup rich in flavors, where pearl barley perfectly blends with crispy bacon. Prepared in the slow cooker, it's easy to make and allows you to enjoy a delicious meal effortlessly. This slow cooker barley bacon soup is ideal for days when you need comfort. With simple ingredients and slow cooking, it develops deep aromas that will envelop you in warmth.

Ingredients

Servings

320 kcal14g protein12g fat38g carbs

Preparation

Instructions

0/4

Cook the bacon
Cut the bacon into small pieces. In a skillet with a little water at the bottom, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Assemble the soup
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker: crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, broth, chickpeas, corn, barley, garlic, parsley, basil, salt and pepper. Mix well.
Slow cook
Set the slow cooker to medium heat and cook for 6 hours. Stir every hour to prevent the barley from sticking.
Finish cooking
Once the barley has swelled and softened, reduce the slow cooker temperature to low to keep warm until serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.

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Our Tips

Chef's tips for making this recipe

For a successful slow cooker barley bacon soup, ensure you stir the barley regularly during cooking to prevent sticking. Store it well to enjoy later!

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Serving Suggestions

In summary, the slow cooker barley bacon soup is perfect for your weeknight meals. With minimal prep in the morning, you can come home to a fragrant soup that has been simmering all day. Don't hesitate to try this slow cooker barley bacon soup on your next winter evening, it will delight the whole family!