Beef Barley Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Barley Soup is a hearty and comforting classic featuring tender chunks of beef, nutty barley, and a medley of vegetables simmered to perfection in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cold days or anytime you crave a filling, one-pot meal, this soup delivers deep flavor and satisfying texture with every spoonful.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

beef stew meat (such as chuck roast)olive oilonioncarrotscelerygarlicbeef brothwaterpearled barleytomato pastebay leavesthymeparsleyblack peppersalt

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add the beef and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened.

Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.

Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth, water, barley, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and barley is cooked.

Discard the bay leaf. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 60 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use diced mushrooms for a meatless version.

Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness.

Try using quick-cooking barley to shorten simmer time.

Include green beans or corn for added vegetables.

Use leftover roast beef for quicker prep.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Freeze for up to 3 months.Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, chuck roast or stew beef are ideal, but sirloin can also work.

Does the barley soak up a lot of broth?

Yes, barley continues to absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the beef and sauté vegetables first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Barley contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute with rice or quinoa.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely—omit the beef and use vegetable broth with extra veggies or mushrooms.

Do I need to soak the barley?

No soaking is needed for pearled barley, but rinsing before cooking is recommended.

How thick should the soup be?

It should be thick and hearty, but you can add broth to adjust consistency.

Can I use quick barley?

Yes, but add it during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Beef Barley Soup is a soul-warming dish that brings together wholesome ingredients and rich flavors in a single comforting bowl. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy lunch, this soup is easy to make and even better the next day. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to for cold weather comfort.

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