Beef Barley Soup

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty bowl of Beef Barley Soup. With tender chunks of beef, wholesome barley, and a variety of fresh vegetables simmering in a savory broth, this soup is the definition of cozy. Perfect for cold days or when you need something filling yet healthy, this soup is a meal in itself. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love Beef Barley Soup

• Hearty & Filling: The combination of beef, barley, and vegetables makes this soup incredibly satisfying. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner, especially on chilly days.
• Comforting: There’s something so comforting about a steaming bowl of this soup. It’s the ultimate cozy food that makes you feel warm inside and out.
• Packed with Protein & Fiber: The beef provides a good source of protein, while the barley adds fiber, making this soup both nutritious and filling.
• Easy to Make: All you need is one pot and a little bit of time to simmer. The ingredients do most of the work, making it an easy meal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. It also freezes beautifully, so it’s a great option for meal planning.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• Beef Stew Meat: Chunks of tender beef are the base of this soup, offering a rich flavor that infuses the broth. You can use sirloin, chuck, or round cuts, but make sure to choose beef that will hold up well to slow cooking.
• Pearl Barley: Barley adds a nice chewiness to the soup and absorbs the delicious flavors of the broth. It’s also a great whole grain that adds fiber to the dish.
• Carrots: Sliced carrots bring sweetness and color to the soup, complementing the richness of the beef and broth.
• Celery: Adds crunch and flavor to balance the other ingredients, creating a more complex taste.
• Onion: The aromatic base of the soup, adding savory depth to the flavor profile.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the soup with an irresistible fragrance and enhances the overall flavor.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity, helping to brighten the flavor of the soup and balance out the richness.
• Beef Broth: The base of the soup, beef broth is full of flavor and provides a hearty liquid for the barley and vegetables to cook in.
• Bay Leaves: A few bay leaves are the secret ingredient to giving the soup that extra depth of flavor.
• Thyme & Rosemary: These herbs add a wonderful, earthy fragrance that complements the beef and vegetables.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the soup to taste.

(Note: Measurements for the ingredients are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Cook the Beef:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and brown the beef stew meat in batches. Be sure to brown all sides to develop a rich, savory flavor. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the Liquids: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and water. Stir to combine.
4. Add the Seasonings: Add the bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil.
5. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This will allow the beef to tenderize and the flavors to meld together.
6. Add the Barley: After 1 hour, add the barley to the soup and stir well. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the barley is tender and the soup is thickened.
7. Check for Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve & Enjoy: Remove the bay leaves, ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories

(Note: Nutritional content can vary based on the brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

How to Serve Beef Barley Soup

This Beef Barley Soup is hearty and filling on its own, but here are some great ways to serve it:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty loaf of bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly.
• Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a slice of melted cheese on top of the soup makes it even more indulgent.
• Sandwiches: Pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple deli sandwich for a complete, satisfying meal.

Additional Tips

• Make it in a Slow Cooker: You can easily convert this into a slow cooker recipe. Simply brown the beef and sauté the veggies, then add everything to the slow cooker with the liquids and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding the barley during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Freeze Leftovers: Beef Barley Soup freezes wonderfully. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, potatoes, or peas for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Gravy-like Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) toward the end of cooking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different grain instead of barley?
A1: Yes! You can use other grains like farro or quinoa, but keep in mind the cooking times may vary.

Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Q3: Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
A3: While ground beef will work in a pinch, stew meat gives the soup a better texture. If using ground beef, brown it and drain any excess fat before adding it to the soup.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Q5: Can I freeze this soup?
A5: Yes, Beef Barley Soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Q6: Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
A6: You can use chicken broth for a lighter version, but the flavor will be different. Beef broth gives the soup a deeper, richer taste.

Q7: Can I add more spices to the soup?
A7: Absolutely! You can experiment with spices like paprika, cayenne, or even some Italian seasoning to change the flavor profile.

Q8: How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
A8: You can add more barley, or if you prefer a quicker fix, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and cook for a few more minutes.

Q9: Is this soup gluten-free?
A9: Barley contains gluten, so this soup is not gluten-free. If you need a gluten-free option, consider using a different grain or omit the barley entirely.

Q10: Can I make this soup spicier?
A10: Yes! Add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.

Conclusion

Beef Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food: hearty, warm, and packed with flavors that will satisfy your hunger and warm you up from the inside out. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re serving it on a cold winter’s day or prepping for an easy meal during the week, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!

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