Hearty Beef and Barley Soup – A Comforting and Nutritious Family Favorite Recipe
This Hearty Beef and Barley Soup is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender beef cubes, pearl barley, and a medley of sautéed vegetables simmered in a savory beef broth with herbs. Perfect for chilly days, this nutritious soup is rich in flavor, filling, and ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into small cubes)
- ½ cup pearl barley
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add the beef stew meat in batches and brown on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside to maintain the flavorful crust.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onions, sliced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir in the pearl barley, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute flavors.
- Taste and adjust: After simmering, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. For a thicker consistency, allow the soup to simmer uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, hearty meal.
Notes
- Use chuck roast or beef stew meat for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the barley; it should be tender yet retain a slight chew.
- If the soup becomes too thick, add extra beef broth or water to adjust consistency.
- Simmer the soup slowly to allow flavors to develop deeply.
- Optional variations include adding mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, beans, or other greens to increase nutrient content and flavor.
Keywords: beef soup, barley soup, hearty soup, comforting soup, one pot meal, beef stew, healthy soup
