Hearty Beef Barley Soup Recipe: A Comforting Classic
Beef barley soup is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, hearty dish filled with tender beef, chewy barley, and nutrient-packed vegetables. Whether you're looking for a meal to satisfy your hunger on a chilly day or a flavorful soup that can feed the family, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into small chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Pat the beef stew meat dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Chop all the vegetables so they’re ready to add to the soup as you cook.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and sear until browned on all sides (about 3–4 minutes per batch). Remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Return the seared beef to the pot.
- Add the beef broth, water, barley, diced tomatoes (with their juices), thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 45–60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Season and Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Best Beef Barley Soup
- Choose the Right Beef: Stew meat, chuck roast, or short ribs are ideal because they become tender during long cooking.
- Don’t Rush the Sear: Properly browning the beef adds depth and richness to the soup’s flavor.
- Rinse the Barley: Rinsing pearl barley removes excess starch, ensuring the grains stay separate and don’t make the soup overly thick.
Variations to Try
- Vegetable-Packed: Add diced potatoes, green beans, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup: Sear the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute barley with quinoa or rice for a gluten-free version.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Beef barley soup freezes beautifully! Allow the soup to cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a heatproof bowl until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef barley soup is a meal in itself—rich, filling, and brimming with savory flavors. The combination of tender beef, hearty barley, and aromatic vegetables creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this soup with crusty bread or buttered rolls for a complete and comforting meal. A fresh green salad also makes a great side to balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
Beef barley soup is a timeless recipe that combines simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this hearty soup is guaranteed to warm your heart and fill your belly. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!
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