BEEF AND BARLEY SOUP

Hearty Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef and Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort dish for chilly days. With tender chunks of beef, nutty barley, and a flavorful broth enriched with vegetables and herbs, this recipe is both wholesome and satisfying. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving a crowd. Plus, it freezes beautifully!

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 1 ½ pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed well
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup parsnips or turnips, diced
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

• Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels (this helps them sear properly).
• Season generously with salt and pepper.

2. Brown the Beef

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the beef in batches (avoid overcrowding), browning on all sides for about 5–7 minutes per batch.
• Remove browned beef to a plate and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
• Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Build the Broth

• Add tomato paste, stirring to coat the vegetables.
• Return the beef and juices to the pot.
• Pour in beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, paprika, and bay leaves.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 1 hour, uncovered.

5. Add the Barley

• Stir in the rinsed barley.
• Continue simmering for 40–50 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the beef is fork-soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Final Seasoning

• Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
• Discard bay leaves and thyme sprigs (if using fresh).

7. Serve

• Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips

• Meat choice: Beef chuck roast works best because it becomes tender when simmered. Stew meat is convenient but may be less flavorful.
• Barley: Use pearl barley for a quicker cook (40–50 minutes). Hulled barley is more nutritious but requires 1–1.5 hours to soften.
• Thicker soup: Let the soup simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or water.
• Boost umami: Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for deeper flavor.

Variations

• Beef & Mushroom Barley Soup: Add 2 cups mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• Slow Cooker Method: Brown beef and veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW 7–8 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours.
• Instant Pot Method: Sauté beef and veggies using sauté mode. Add all ingredients, seal, and cook on HIGH pressure for 30 minutes, natural release 15 minutes.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit beef and use vegetable broth. Add extra mushrooms, beans, or lentils for protein.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. (Barley will absorb liquid, so you may want to add extra broth when reheating.)
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra broth or water if soup is too thick.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with buttery cornbread, crusty sourdough, or cheddar biscuits.
• Serve with a light side salad (like Caesar or spinach salad).
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or grated Parmesan for extra richness.

✨ You now have a classic, hearty Beef and Barley Soup recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or make-ahead meal prep.

Enjoy.