Beef Barley Soup

why make this recipe

Beef Barley Soup is warm, filling, and easy to make. It uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand. This soup feeds a family and makes good leftovers. It is also a budget-friendly meal that tastes like it cooked all day even when it did not.

introduction

This Beef Barley Soup mixes tender beef, barley, and vegetables in a savory broth. The barley adds a chewy, comforting texture and stretches the meal. If you like simple beef meals, you might also enjoy Asian ground beef noodles as another quick dinner idea.

how to make Beef Barley Soup

You brown the beef, soften the vegetables, then simmer everything with broth and barley until tender. The steps are clear and the soup builds flavor as it cooks. The method is similar in feel to a classic slow-simmered beef stew and to recipes like beef and noodles, but with barley added for heartiness.

Ingredients :

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound stew beef, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions :

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Cook until browned on all sides—this should take about 5-7 minutes. After browning, remove the beef and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and get a little fragrant.
3. Now, return the browned beef to the pot and add in the undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, rinsed pearl barley, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
4. Bring your delicious mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the beef and barley are nice and tender.
5. Once that heavenly aroma fills your kitchen, remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt and pepper if you like!
6. Serve it up in bowls and finish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

how to serve Beef Barley Soup

Serve hot in deep bowls. Add extra chopped parsley on top. Offer crusty bread, crackers, or a simple salad on the side. A dollop of sour cream or grated cheese can also be nice for richness.

how to store Beef Barley Soup

Cool the soup to room temperature before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens.

tips to make Beef Barley Soup

• Brown the beef well to get a deeper flavor.
• Rinse the barley to remove dust and help it cook evenly.
• Taste and adjust salt at the end. The broth reduces and concentrates as it cooks.
• If soup gets too thick after sitting, thin with extra beef broth or water when reheating.
• Use low-sodium broth if you want more control over salt.

variation (if any)

• Add mushrooms for more umami.
• Swap pearl barley for quick-cook barley (reduce simmer time).
• Stir in a splash of red wine with the broth for a richer flavor.
• Use diced potatoes instead of barley for a different texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef? A: Yes. Chuck roast or stew meat work well. Cut into small pieces so they cook through.

Q: How long does the barley take to cook? A: Pearl barley usually takes 45-60 minutes to get tender in a simmering soup. Quick-cook barley takes less time.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker? A: Yes. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Q: Is this soup good for freezing? A: Yes. Freeze in portions. Barley will soften more after freezing, but it still tastes good.

Q: Do I need to rinse the barley? A: It is best to rinse pearl barley to remove any dust and loose starch.

Conclusion

For another clear written version of this classic and extra tips, see Beef Barley Soup Recipe.