Warm up with a bowl of classic comfort! This beef barley soup recipe is a timeless favorite, renowned for its rich flavors and wholesome goodness. Packed with tender beef, hearty barley, and an array of vibrant vegetables, it’s a complete meal in itself. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare this satisfying dish, perfect for a cozy night in or a busy weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Barley Soup Recipe
Our simple beef barley soup offers a delightful experience for both the cook and the diner. It consistently earns rave reviews for good reason!
- Hearty & Satisfying: Each spoonful delivers a rich, savory broth brimming with tender beef and pearl barley.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamins from fresh vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal.
- Perfect for Any Season: While ideal for chilly days, this comforting soup is delicious year-round.
- Easy to Make from Scratch: With clear, step-by-step instructions, even beginners can master this recipe.
- Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it excellent for lunch leftovers or planned dinners.
- Versatile Customization: Easily adapt the vegetables or seasonings to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for this wholesome beef barley soup recipe. This combination creates a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish that everyone will adore.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 rib celery, sliced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups cooked beef, cubed or shredded
- 6 cups reduced sodium beef broth
- 14.5 ounces canned petite diced tomatoes, with juices (1 can)
- ⅔ cup pearl barley
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 packet beef gravy mix
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Notes & Substitutions
Pearl barley works best for its chewy texture and ability to hold its shape; quick barley cooks faster but can become mushy. For the beef, use leftover cooked roast or steak, stewing beef cut into chunks, or even browned ground beef. If you don’t have beef broth, vegetable broth or chicken broth can work, though beef broth offers the deepest flavor for this soup. A beef gravy mix adds thickness and rich flavor; you can substitute with a slurry of 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold broth, plus a beef bouillon cube. Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, mushrooms, or parsnips for extra heartiness.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this simple beef barley soup. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick.
- A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed stockpot is essential for simmering.
- A sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife make quick work of vegetable prep.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient portions.
- A ladle is perfect for serving up warm bowls of soup.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your delicious beef barley soup recipe. This method ensures maximum flavor and perfectly cooked ingredients every time.
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics. Heat the olive oil in your large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients. Add the sliced carrots, sliced celery, and diced green bell pepper to the pot. Stir in the cooked beef. Pour in the reduced sodium beef broth and the canned petite diced tomatoes with their juices. Next, add the pearl barley, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme leaves, and the bay leaf. If you are using it, stir in the optional red wine now. Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 40-50 minutes, or until the pearl barley is tender and chewy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Towards the end of the cooking time, stir in the packet of beef gravy mix. This will help thicken the rich broth of your hearty beef barley soup and enhance its savory depth. Taste the soup and season generously with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 4: Finish and Serve. Carefully remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley just before serving; this adds a lovely fresh burst of color and flavor. Ladle the hot beef barley soup into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy this comforting and filling meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Barley Soup
Achieve an even richer flavor in your beef barley soup with these expert tips. Simple techniques can make a big difference.
- Browning Beef: If using raw stewing beef, sear it in olive oil until deeply browned before adding other ingredients. This creates a flavorful fond at the bottom of the pot.
- Don’t Overcook Barley: Check the barley for tenderness as it simmers. Overcooked barley can become mushy and lose its appealing texture.
- Flavor Boosters: After browning raw beef, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine or a bit of beef broth to scrape up all those flavorful bits.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup thickens too much as it simmers, add a little more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Seasoning Layers: Always taste your soup as it cooks. Adjust salt and pepper, and consider a pinch more thyme or Worcestershire for a balanced flavor profile.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Enjoying your beef barley soup is easy, and preparing it for future meals is a breeze. This versatile recipe allows for many adaptations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. A simple fresh green salad makes a light and refreshing accompaniment to balance the richness of the soup.
Storage
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!
Freezing
This beef barley soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into individual freezer-safe containers or bags for easy grab-and-go meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variations
Experiment with different root vegetables like diced potatoes or parsnips for added sweetness and texture. Try other herbs such as a sprig of fresh rosemary, added during simmering. You can also make this soup in a slow cooker (cook on low for 6-8 hours) or an Instant Pot (pressure cook for 20 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes) by adjusting cooking times.
Nutrition
This beef barley soup offers a fantastic blend of nutrients, making it a wholesome addition to your meal plan. Each serving is rich in protein from the beef and fiber from the barley and vegetables. You’ll also benefit from essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced and satisfying meal.
According to Cancer Nutrition Consortium, beef and barley soup can be a good source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals like zinc and selenium. Beef and barley soup nutritional benefits
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Servings | 8 |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
Nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This section addresses common queries about making the perfect beef barley soup.
-
What kind of beef is best for beef barley soup?
Use leftover cooked beef like roast or steak for convenience, or stewing beef for deeper flavor. Ground beef is also a good option for a quicker version. -
Can I make beef barley soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sauté the aromatics, then combine all ingredients (except parsley) in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the barley is tender. -
What is pearl barley, and can I use a different type?
Pearl barley is hulled and polished, cooking to a tender, chewy consistency. You can use quick-cooking barley, but it will cook much faster (around 10-15 minutes) and might become softer. -
How do I thicken beef barley soup?
The barley and gravy mix naturally thicken the soup. If you prefer it even thicker, you can create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of simmering. -
Can I freeze beef barley soup?
Yes, this soup freezes exceptionally well! Make sure to cool it completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This hearty and comforting beef barley soup recipe is truly a gem for any home cook. Its rich, savory broth, tender beef, and wholesome ingredients create a deeply satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and robust flavors this dish brings to your table. Whip up this incredible beef barley soup recipe today, customize it to your heart’s content, and share the warmth with your loved ones!
