Hearty Beef Barley Soup (Printable version)
Tender beef and wholesome barley combine with vegetables in a warm, comforting dish perfect for cold days.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
→ Grains
02 - 2/3 cup pearl barley, rinsed
→ Vegetables
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 large onion, diced
05 - 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
06 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 large potato, peeled and diced
09 - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
10 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
→ Liquids
11 - 8 cups beef broth
12 - 1 cup water
→ Herbs & Seasonings
13 - 2 bay leaves
14 - 1 tsp dried thyme
15 - 1 tsp dried parsley
16 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
17 - 1 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Return browned beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes with juices, diced potato, barley, beef broth, water, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until beef and barley are tender and broth has thickened.
07 - Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The barley soaks up all the savory broth and turns wonderfully chewy, making every spoonful feel complete.
- It tastes even richer the next day, so leftovers become a gift instead of a chore.
- One pot does all the work, and your kitchen smells like a cozy bistro for hours.
02 -
- Dont skip browning the beef, those caramelized bits on the bottom of the pot are pure flavor gold.
- If the soup gets too thick as it sits, just add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
03 -
- If your beef broth is store-bought, check the label for sodium content and adjust your added salt accordingly.
- Letting the soup rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving allows the barley to soak up even more flavor.