Hearty Beef Barley Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty beef barley soup brings comfort during chilly evenings when warm, satisfying meals matter most.

Savory aromas fill the kitchen as tender meat and plump grains simmer together.

barley adds a delightful nutty texture that makes this classic recipe irresistible.

Slow-cooked vegetables enhance the rich broth with deep, layered flavors.

Each spoonful connects you to traditional home cooking that nourishes body and soul.

Rustic and straightforward, this soup promises a delicious experience that celebrates simple ingredients.

Prepare to be amazed by how something so uncomplicated can taste incredibly delightful.

Beef Barley Soup Highlights

• Quickly Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This pumpkin mousse recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal ingredients, making it perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.
• Celebrate Seasonal Comfort: Packed with warm pumpkin pie spice, this mousse captures the cozy essence of autumn in every silky spoonful.
• Master No-Fuss Dessert Magic: Requiring just basic mixing skills, even novice bakers can create a restaurant-worthy dessert that looks and tastes impressively sophisticated.
• Versatile Party Favorite: Ideal for gatherings from family dinners to holiday celebrations, this mousse can be prepared ahead and dressed up with simple garnishes for instant elegance.

Ingredients For Hearty Beef Barley Soup

• Beef Cubes: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substance to the soup.

• Pearl Barley: A chewy, nutritious grain that adds texture and thickness to the soup.

• Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the foundation of the soup.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep, savory flavor profile.
• Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that add sweetness and depth to the overall taste.

• Tomato Paste: A concentrated ingredient that adds rich, tangy depth to the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide additional moisture and bright tomato flavor.

• Bay Leaves, Thyme, Oregano: Dried herbs that contribute complex, earthy notes to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light flavor.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil used for sautéing and adding a subtle flavor base.

How To Prepare Beef Barley Soup

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a roomy pot over medium flame. Toss beef cubes with salt and pepper.

Cook beef until golden on all sides, creating a delicious crust. Transfer browned beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Saute the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Boost the Tomato Base

Introduce tomato paste to the vegetable mixture. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the rich, savory profile of the soup.

Step 4: Combine All Soup Components

• Pearl barley
• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Bay leaves
• Thyme
• Oregano

Stir everything together, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 5: Slow Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 1 hour.

The beef will become tender, and barley will cook thoroughly.

Step 6: Season and Taste

Sample the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Remove bay leaves. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Ladle into bowls and enjoy your hearty beef barley soup.

Tips For Delicious Beef Barley Soup

• Opt for chuck roast or stew meat for the most tender, flavorful beef chunks that will melt in your mouth during long cooking.
• Enhance soup's richness by searing beef at high heat, creating delicious brown bits that add deep, complex flavor to the entire dish.
• Choose pearl barley for a perfect chewy texture and ensure it's fully cooked by simmering soup slowly, allowing grains to absorb liquid and become soft.
• Replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or swap meat with mushrooms to maintain a hearty, satisfying profile.
• Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, knowing flavors will develop and improve with time in the refrigerator.

Flavor Variations For Beef Barley Soup

• Hearty Wild Rice Swap: Replace pearl barley with wild rice for a nutty, earthy flavor profile that adds extra texture and nutritional value to the classic beef soup.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh rosemary, basil, and a splash of red wine to transform the soup into a Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish with deeper, more complex flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the soup a bold, southwestern-style heat that warms you from the inside out.
• Vegetable Power Boost: Expand the vegetable mix by including zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach to increase nutrient density and create a more colorful, robust soup experience.

Serving Suggestions For Beef Barley Soup

• Hearty Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair this rich beef barley soup with thick slices of crusty sourdough bread for dipping, soaking up all those delicious savory juices.
• Winter Warmth Meal: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's deep, meaty flavors and provide a fresh contrast.
• Rustic Comfort Plating: Top each bowl with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, creating an elegant yet homey presentation that elevates the simple soup.
• Family-Style Gathering: Ladle the soup into large ceramic bowls, place them in the center of the table with extra bread and let everyone serve themselves for a communal, relaxed dining experience.

How To Store Beef Barley Soup Properly

• Store the beef barley soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its fresh flavor.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and convenient meal for later.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of beef broth if the soup seems too thick after freezing.

FAQs

• Is barley healthy for you?

Barley is a nutritious whole grain packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It supports digestive health, helps lower cholesterol, and provides sustained energy.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

While beef works best, you can substitute with lamb or chicken for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the meat is cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs are perfectly fine as substitutes. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs to maintain the right flavor intensity.

• How do I know when the beef is tender?

The beef is done when it can be easily pierced with a fork and breaks apart without resistance. This typically occurs after about an hour of slow simmering.

Beef Barley Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty beef barley soup combines tender meat, pearl barley, and robust vegetables in a rich, comforting broth. Simmered slowly, this classic dish warms souls and satisfies hungry diners with its wholesome, nourishing ingredients.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 8 cups (1.9 L) low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup pearl barley (uncooked)
• 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a hefty pot over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown on all surfaces. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
2. In the identical pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Introduce tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify and develop a deeper complexity.
4. Return browned meat to the pot, combining with pearl barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and oregano. Thoroughly mix ingredients.
5. Escalate heat to generate a robust boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low. Cover and allow soup to simmer gently for 60-70 minutes, ensuring beef becomes fork-tender and barley reaches optimal softness.
6. After cooking, evaluate seasoning profile. Adjust salt and pepper according to personal preference.
7. Extract bay leaves to prevent bitter undertones. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and herbal notes.
8. Serve steaming hot, allowing soup’s rich aromas to permeate the dining area.

Notes

• Choose chuck roast or stew meat for maximum tenderness and rich flavor during long cooking process.
• Allow extra time for barley to absorb liquid, which helps develop deeper taste profile and prevents soup from becoming too thick.
• Consider reducing sodium by using low-sodium beef broth and controlling salt amounts during seasoning stages.
• Customize recipe for gluten-sensitive diners by substituting pearl barley with quinoa or rice, maintaining similar hearty texture and nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg