Classic Beef Barley Soup Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Cold winter nights call for a hearty meal that warms you from the inside, and this beef barley soup recipe brings comfort to the table.

Rich, savory broth mingles with tender meat and plump barley kernels in a delightful harmony of flavors.

Chunks of beef slow-cooked to perfection create a robust base that makes this soup truly special.

Earthy barley adds a wonderful nutty texture and substance to each spoonful.

Carrots, celery, and onions contribute layers of garden-fresh goodness to the mix.

Herbs and seasonings dance through the pot, elevating this classic soup from simple to sublime.

Ladle up a bowl of warmth and comfort that promises to satisfy even the hungriest souls.

Tools That Make Beef Barley Soup A Snap

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for browning beef and simmering soup.
• Cutting board: Perfect for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and meat cutting.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurate seasoning and ingredient amounts.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving soup into bowls.
• Colander or strainer: Optional for draining canned tomatoes if needed.

Steps To Get Your Beef Barley Soup Just Right

• Beef Browning

Grab a hefty pot and warm some olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper. Toss in half the beef and sizzle until golden brown, creating delicious caramelized edges. Remove and set aside. Repeat with remaining beef.

• Vegetable Foundation

In the same pot, splash more oil and tumble in onions, carrots, and celery. Let them dance and soften, releasing their rich aromas. Sprinkle minced garlic and a dollop of tomato paste, stirring until fragrant.

• Liquid Magic

Welcome the browned beef back to the pot. Pour in beef broth, scatter pearl barley, and add bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Splash in Worcestershire sauce and diced tomatoes for extra depth.

• Slow Transformation

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat. Cover and let everything mingle and tenderize for 1-1.5 hours. The beef will become meltingly soft, and barley will plump up beautifully.

• Final Touch

Fish out the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into warm bowls and shower with fresh parsley. Enjoy the hearty, comforting embrace of this soul-warming soup.

Cozy Tips For A Better Beef Barley Soup

• Hearty Beef Barley Soup Pro Tips
• Meat Selection Magic: Choose chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling for richer flavor and more tender results. Trimming excess fat helps control soup's greasiness while maintaining delicious depth.
• Barley Brilliance: Rinse pearl barley before adding to remove excess starch, preventing the soup from becoming too thick. Different barley types like hulled or quick-cooking varieties can slightly alter texture and cooking time.
• Slow Cooker Strategy: Transform this stovetop recipe into a hands-off meal by transferring browned ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for melt-in-your-mouth beef and deeply developed flavors.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: This soup freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving space for expansion. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain texture.
• Diet-Friendly Adaptations: For gluten-free version, replace pearl barley with quinoa or rice. Vegetarian option can swap beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a similar hearty profile.

How To Serve Beef Barley Soup With Heart

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Serve this hearty beef barley soup alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up all those delicious broth flavors.
• Rustic Meal Enhancer: Pair the soup with a simple green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty soup and add fresh crunch to your meal.
• Winter Comfort Plating: Top each bowl with a sprinkle of sharp grated parmesan cheese or crispy breadcrumbs for extra texture and depth of flavor that complements the tender beef and soft barley.
• Leftover Magic Trick: Store soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, knowing the flavors will develop and become even more delicious as they meld together in the refrigerator.

Keep Beef Barley Soup Warm And Ready

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Transfer cooled soup into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will continue to develop and become more rich and delicious as they sit.
• Freezer-Friendly Batches: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the soup seems too thick. Avoid microwaving to maintain the soup's original texture and prevent barley from becoming mushy.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide soup into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness and ensure you enjoy the soup at its best quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Hearty Ingredients In Beef Barley Soup

• Beef Chuck Roast: Tender, marbled cut that becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious when slow-cooked, providing rich flavor and hearty texture to the soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that adds sweet, earthy depth and nutritional punch with their complementary flavors and crisp textures.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses the soup with a robust, warming flavor profile and incredible depth.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato essence that deepens the soup's umami character and provides a subtle tangy undertone.
• Diced Tomatoes: Bright, juicy element that adds acidity and freshness to the soup's overall flavor landscape.

• Beef Broth: Foundational liquid that carries the soup's rich, meaty essence and creates a deeply satisfying base.
• Pearl Barley: Nutty, chewy grain that adds substance, texture, and wholesome nutrition to the soup.
• Bay Leaves, Thyme, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that contribute complex, woodsy notes and traditional European soup character.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Flavor-enhancing condiment that brings a tangy, slightly fermented depth to the soup.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that elevates and balances all other ingredients' flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and clean, herbal finish.

Hearty Beef Barley Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty beef barley soup combines tender meat, robust vegetables, and pearl barley in a rich, comforting broth. Slow-simmered with herbs and spices, this classic dish promises warmth and satisfaction for hungry diners.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 cups (1.9 L) beef broth (low-sodium)
• 1 cup (200 g) pearl barley
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Protein Preparation: Season beef chunks with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then sear beef in batches until caramelized, creating a golden-brown exterior. Remove and set aside.
2. Vegetable Foundation: In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until translucent. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring continuously to develop a rich flavor base without scorching.
3. Liquid Integration: Return seared beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, pearl barley, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Slow Simmering: Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 75-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing beef to become fork-tender and barley to absorb the savory broth.
5. Finishing Touches: Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot for a comforting, hearty meal.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Selection: Choose well-marbled beef chuck or short ribs for maximum flavor and tenderness, ensuring meat remains juicy during long cooking process.
• Prevent Burning: Sear beef in batches without overcrowding the pan, maintaining high heat to create deep caramelization without scorching the bottom of cooking vessel.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Monitor liquid levels during simmering, adding extra beef broth if barley absorbs too much liquid, maintaining soup’s desired thickness and preventing dryness.
• Enhance Nutritional Profile: Swap pearl barley with quinoa or brown rice for gluten-free alternative, allowing individuals with dietary restrictions to enjoy the hearty soup without compromising taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg