Beef Barley Soup: 5 Irresistible Reasons It’s a Must-Try

Beef Barley Soup is a hearty dish that warms your soul and fills your belly. This comforting soup combines tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and chewy barley in a savory broth. It’s an ideal meal for chilly evenings and is loved by families and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Barley Soup

This Beef Barley Soup is packed with flavors and nutrients. The rich beef broth creates a base that enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables. The protein from the beef and the fiber from the barley provide a well-rounded meal that satisfies hunger. Additionally, it’s simple to prepare, making it a favorite for busy cooks.

Beef Barley Soup

A hearty and comforting soup combining tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and chewy barley in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes High-quality beef recommended
• Salt and pepper Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 8 cups beef broth Use high-quality for richer flavor
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Fresh parsley, chopped optional Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
• In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.

Cooking

• Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water, stirring to combine.
• Add the rinsed barley, bay leaf, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 45 minutes.
• Add the diced potatoes to the pot and continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables and barley are tender.
• Add the frozen peas and let the soup heat for an additional 5 minutes.
• Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

• Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Let soup sit for an hour before serving to meld flavors.

Keyword Beef Barley Soup, comfort food, Easy Soup, Hearty Soup

How to Make Beef Barley Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
6. Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water, stirring to combine.
7. Add the rinsed barley, bay leaf, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 45 minutes.
9. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables and barley are tender.
10. Add the frozen peas and let the soup heat for an additional 5 minutes.
11. Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve Beef Barley Soup

Serve Beef Barley Soup in warm bowls. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or bread rolls, allowing everyone to soak up the flavorful broth. This soup can also be lifted with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

How to Store Beef Barley Soup

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to three months. Ensure it’s cooled before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove top until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up.

Tips to Make Beef Barley Soup Perfect

• Use high-quality beef broth for a richer flavor.
• Sear beef cubes until caramelized to enhance the taste.
• Feel free to add more vegetables like green beans or corn to boost nutrition.
• Adjust the barley quantity based on your preference for thickness; less barley leads to a brothier soup.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with different herbs and spices to give your Beef Barley Soup a unique twist. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar can heighten the flavor. For a spicier kick, consider including crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer more of a vegetable-forward soup, increase the quantity of carrots and celery while reducing the beef.

Pro Tips for Success

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Always taste before serving; some elements might need a little more seasoning.
• If you have time, let the soup sit for an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

FAQs About Beef Barley Soup

Final Thoughts

Beef Barley Soup is a family-friendly meal that embodies comfort and nourishment. Its straightforward preparation combined with wholesome ingredients makes it a staple in any home. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day or serve a satisfying dinner, this recipe is sure to please. Embrace the deep flavors and hearty textures, and enjoy a bowl of this classic soup today.