There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of soup, especially during the cooler months. Among the many varieties, Beef Barley Soup stands out as a timeless classic, beloved for its hearty ingredients and rich flavors. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this soup offers a delightful culinary experience that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
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Why Beef Barley Soup?
There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a homemade meal, especially one as comforting as Beef Barley Soup. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment alone, this soup is sure to warm both the body and soul. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Remember, cooking is as much about the experience as it is about the final dish. Enjoy the process and take pride in creating this classic comfort food. If you try this Beef Barley Soup or any other recipe on my blog, don’t forget to leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Ingredients Needed for Beef Barley Soup
- 1 pound beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes – The star of the dish, beef provides a rich, savory base. Opt for cubed beef chuck or pre-cut stew meat for convenience.
- Pearl Barley: ¾ cup – This ancient grain adds a chewy texture and nutty flavor. Pearl barley is often used for its quicker cooking time.
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 6 cups of beef broth or stock – Beef broth or stock enhances the savory taste of the soup. Homemade stock is ideal, but store-bought works just as well.
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup peas
How to Make Beef Barley Soup
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Return the beef to the pot. Add the barley, broth, bay leaves, thyme, and any optional add-ins.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Is Beef Barley Soup Healthy?
Beef Barley Soup is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits, making it a great choice for a nutritious meal. Here’s why:
- High in Protein: The beef in the soup provides a significant source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues in your body. Protein also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Rich in Fiber : Pearl barley is a whole grain that adds a good amount of dietary fiber to the sou p. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help maintain healthy blood sugar , which are important for maintaining fluid balance in the body.
Best Cut of Beef for Beef Barley Soup
1. Beef Chuck Flavorful and Tender: Beef chuck is a popular choice due to its rich flavor and tender texture when cooked slowly. It’s perfect for soups and stews as it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
2. Stew Meat Pre-cut stew meat is a convenient option for those who want to save time. It’s usually a mix of different beef cuts, often including chuck, and is ready to be added to your soup.
Choosing from these cuts will ensure your Beef Barley Soup is not only comforting but also packed with flavor. Adjust the cooking time to ensure tenderness, and enjoy every spoonful!
Tips for the Best Beef Barley Soup
- Make Ahead: This soup is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often intensify after a day or two in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Beef Barley Soup freezes well. Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Red bell peppers or a dash of smoked paprika can add a unique twist.
- Enjoy this classic Beef Barley Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Happy cooking!
If you tried this Hearty Beef Barley Soup or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
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Beef Barley Soup
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Total Time: 35 min
Yield: 8 1x
Category: Easy
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Description
Beef Barley Soup stands out as a timeless classic, beloved for its hearty ingredients and rich flavors. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this soup offers a delightful culinary experience that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
- 1 pound beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
- ¾ cup Pearl Barley
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 6 cups of beef broth or stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Return the beef to the pot. Add the barley, broth, bay leaves, thyme, and any optional add-ins.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: This soup is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often intensify after a day or two in the refrigerator.
