Beef Barley Soup

This Beef Barley Soup is a cozy bowl of comfort that’s perfect for warming you up on a chilly day. Loaded with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and hearty barley, this soup delights the senses with rich flavors and textures. It’s ideal for family dinners or meal prep, providing nourishing goodness that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This Beef Barley Soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you’ll have a delicious soup simmering away with ease.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the veggies based on what’s in your fridge or your personal preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of tender beef, aromatic herbs, and fresh vegetables creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy pot: Ideal for even heat distribution; perfect for simmering soups slowly.
• Cutting board: Provides a sturdy surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precision when cutting ingredients; helps speed up the preparation process.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound beef stew meat
• ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped into ½-inch pieces
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 cups low sodium beef broth (or low sodium chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• ¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed
• Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

How to Make Beef Barley Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot:
1. Add the beef stew meat cubes to the pot.
2. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Cook until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes).
4. Remove the beef to a clean plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot:
1. Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms.
2. Cook until softened (5–6 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and tomato paste:
1. Stir well and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return the browned beef along with any juices back into the pot:
1. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves.
2. Stir everything together.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the soup to a simmer:
1. Reduce heat to low.
2. Cover and let it cook at a low simmer for about 45 minutes.

Step 6: Add Barley

After simmering:
1. Stir in rinsed pearl barley.
2. Cover again and let it cook for another 45–60 minutes until both barley and beef are tender.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove bay leaves before serving:
1. Adjust seasonings with more salt or pepper if needed.
2. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Enjoy this hearty Beef Barley Soup as a comforting main course that warms both body and spirit!

How to Serve Beef Barley Soup

Beef Barley Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Pairing it with the right accompaniments enhances its flavor and makes for a satisfying meal.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top just before serving for added freshness.
• Grated Parmesan: A light dusting of grated cheese can add a savory kick.

Bread Pairings

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping; sourdough or whole grain work well.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread complements the soup’s richness and provides a delightful crunch.

Salad Options

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and balance to the hearty soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: Lightly dressed greens with your choice of vegetables can refresh the palate.

How to Perfect Beef Barley Soup

To ensure your Beef Barley Soup turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Meat: Choose fresh, high-quality beef stew meat for the best flavor and texture.
• Sauté Vegetables First: Sautéing onions, celery, and carrots before adding them to the pot builds a rich base of flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup as it simmers; adjust salt and pepper to enhance its overall taste.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow the soup to simmer gently for a longer time. This helps all flavors meld beautifully together.
• Add Barley Last: Adding barley in the last cooking stages prevents it from becoming too mushy.

Best Side Dishes for Beef Barley Soup

Enjoying Beef Barley Soup can be even better with the right side dishes. Here are some great options to complement this hearty meal.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting addition.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition; try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
3. Cheesy Biscuits: Flaky biscuits with melted cheese create a delightful pairing that’s perfect for dipping.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and is a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with grains and spices offer a flavorful alternative side dish.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Melty grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect for dunking into your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Beef Barley Soup from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step – Not browning the beef well can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always sear the beef until it’s nicely browned before adding other ingredients.
• Using low-quality broth – A bland broth results in a dull soup. Opt for low sodium beef or chicken broth for better flavor.
• Overcooking the barley – If you add barley too early, it may become mushy. Add it during the last cooking phase to maintain its texture.
• Neglecting seasonings – Forgetting to taste and adjust seasonings can leave your soup flat. Always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Not letting it simmer long enough – A quick cook won’t allow flavors to develop fully. Ensure you simmer the soup adequately for a rich, robust taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Beef Barley Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Beef Barley Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Beef Barley Soup that may help you enjoy this dish even more.

How long does Beef Barley Soup last in the fridge?

Beef Barley Soup will last 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Beef Barley Soup?

Yes, you can freeze Beef Barley Soup for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container.

What can I serve with Beef Barley Soup?

Beef Barley Soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

How do I make my Beef Barley Soup thicker?

To thicken your Beef Barley Soup, let it simmer longer without the lid or add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.

Can I use other grains instead of barley?

Yes, you can substitute barley with quinoa or farro if desired, but cooking times may vary.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Barley Soup is not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding different vegetables or herbs according to your preferences. It’s perfect for warming up on cold days and makes great leftovers! Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite.

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Beef Barley Soup

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of this Beef Barley Soup, a nourishing bowl that’s ideal for chilly days. This delightful soup is brimming with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and hearty barley, creating a rich tapestry of flavors and textures. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed throughout the week. With its simple preparation steps and versatile ingredients, you’ll find it easy to tailor this recipe to your taste. Serve it with crusty bread or a vibrant salad for a complete meal that warms both body and spirit.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound beef stew meat
• ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped into ½-inch pieces
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 cups low sodium beef broth (or low sodium chicken broth)
• 2 bay leaves
• ¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed
• Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef stew meat, season with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove from pot.
2. In the same pot, sauté chopped onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms until softened (5–6 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Return browned beef to the pot along with any juices. Pour in broth and add bay leaves; stir well.
5. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45 minutes.
6. Stir in rinsed pearl barley; cover again and simmer until both barley and beef are tender (45–60 minutes).
7. Remove bay leaves before serving and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 105 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg