Hearty Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

Looking for a cozy, satisfying meal on a chilly day? This Beef and Barley Soup is packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and nourishing vegetables. It’s a classic comfort dish that’s easy to prepare, filling, and perfect for family meals or meal prep. With a rich broth and savory flavors, this soup is a winter must-have that warms you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and Filling: With protein-packed beef, fiber-rich barley, and vegetables, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.
  • One-Pot Simplicity: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup easy and flavor concentration even better.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together, making it ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
  • 1 cup barley
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil and brown the cubed beef stew meat. Let it sear to develop deep flavor, about 5-6 minutes.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the barley, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits, which add flavor to the soup.
  4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy! Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Ladle for serving
  • Cutting board and knife for chopping

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serving: Serve this soup with crusty bread, rolls, or a side salad for a balanced, comforting meal.
  • Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.
  • Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Recipe Variations

  • Add More Veggies: Try adding mushrooms, potatoes, or parsnips for added texture and flavor.
  • Swap the Grain: Substitute barley with farro, brown rice, or quinoa for a twist.
  • Herb Variations: Use rosemary or bay leaves along with thyme for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Make It a Tomato-Based Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes for a richer broth with a hint of acidity.

Helpful Notes

  • Choosing the Beef: Look for stew meat or chuck roast, as they become tender with slow cooking. Trim any excess fat for a leaner soup.
  • Cooking the Barley: Pearled barley is recommended because it cooks faster than hulled barley. If using hulled barley, increase the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes.
  • Thicker Consistency: For a thicker soup, add an extra half cup of barley or reduce the broth by 1 cup.

Tips from Chefs

  • Chef Ina Garten: “Add a Parmesan rind while the soup simmers—it infuses the broth with savory flavor.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef and barley are tender.

Q2: Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Yes, ground beef can be used for a quicker option. Brown it first and continue with the recipe as directed.

Q3: What type of barley should I use?
Pearled barley is commonly used because it cooks faster. Hulled barley, which is more whole grain, takes a bit longer but adds a nice, chewy texture.

Q4: Can I add more broth to make it soupier?
Absolutely! Add an extra cup or two of broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Q5: Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the barley for a gluten-free grain, like quinoa or rice, and check that the beef broth is gluten-free.

Savor the Cozy Comfort of Beef and Barley Soup

This Beef and Barley Soup is packed with wholesome ingredients, tender beef, and satisfying flavors that make it a perfect winter warmer. Whether you’re enjoying it as a hearty lunch or cozy dinner, this soup brings comfort to every bowl. Serve it with warm bread or crackers, and enjoy a timeless classic that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Beef and Barley Soup

Hearty Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

Susan
This Beef and Barley Soup is packed with wholesome ingredients, tender beef, and satisfying flavors that make it a perfect winter warmer. Whether you’re enjoying it as a hearty lunch or cozy dinner, this soup brings comfort to every bowl. Serve it with warm bread or crackers, and enjoy a timeless classic that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb beef stew meat cubed
  • 1 cup barley
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 carrots chopped
  • 3 celery stalks chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the cubed beef stew meat, allowing it to sear for better flavor.
  • Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
  • Combine Ingredients: Stir in the barley, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of this Beef and Barley Soup.

Notes

  • Customize the Veggies: Add chopped potatoes or mushrooms for extra heartiness.

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