Beef and barley soup is the perfect comfort food for colder days. With tender beef, hearty barley, and fresh vegetables in a rich broth, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s easy to make and great for warming up after a long day. You’ll love the simple yet delicious flavors that come together in every spoonful.
Why We Love This Beef and Barley Soup
There’s a reason this beef and barley soup is a go-to recipe for so many—it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and healthy. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Nutritious and Filling: The combination of tender beef and nutrient-packed barley makes this soup not only filling but also a great source of protein and fiber. It’s the perfect way to nourish your body while satisfying your hunger.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients like beef, barley, carrots, and onions, this soup is easy to make, even for beginner cooks. The simplicity of the recipe allows the natural flavors to shine through.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge and even tastes better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping. Whether you’re cooking for the week ahead or just want leftovers, it’s a great make-ahead meal.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the vegetables or spices based on what you have in your kitchen. Add a dash of your favorite herbs or some extra veggies like peas or celery for a twist.
- Comforting Winter Meal: When the temperature drops, there’s nothing like a warm bowl of this hearty soup to cozy up with. The rich broth and tender beef make it the perfect dish to enjoy after a cold day.
This beef and barley soup is truly a must-try. With its balance of flavors, easy prep, and satisfying qualities, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
Ingredients for Beef and Barley Soup
Beef stew meat – Best for slow cooking; it becomes tender and flavorful in the soup.
Pearl barley – The perfect grain for a chewy texture, absorbing the broth well.
Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor.
Carrots – Add natural sweetness and color to the soup.
Celery – Provides a mild, slightly bitter flavor to balance the soup.
Garlic – Adds a fragrant, savory flavor to the soup.
Beef broth – The rich base of the soup, offering a deep flavor.
Bay leaf – Adds a floral, earthy note to the soup.
Dried thyme – Brings a savory, herbal flavor to complement the beef.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.
Olive oil – Used for browning the beef, adding extra flavor.
Instructions for Beef and Barley Soup
Making this beef and barley soup is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to bring all those rich flavors together:
Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, then set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the Broth and Seasoning: Pour in beef broth, scraping the pot for flavor. Add thyme and bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper.
Simmer the Soup: Return the beef to the pot with any juices. Add barley, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.
Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the soup in bowls with crusty bread for a cozy meal.
Pro Tips for Making Perfect Beef and Barley Soup
To take your beef and barley soup to the next level, here are some expert tips that will help you make the best version of this hearty dish:
Choose the Right Beef:
For the most tender soup, opt for cuts like beef stew meat or chuck roast. These cuts are perfect for slow cooking and will become wonderfully tender as they simmer.
Don’t Rush the Browning Process:
When browning the beef, resist the temptation to skip this step or cook everything too quickly. Searing the meat creates a rich depth of flavor that’s essential for the soup’s base. Brown the beef in batches if necessary so it doesn’t steam.
Barley Texture:
If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the amount of barley or let the soup simmer a bit longer. If you prefer a slightly less thick soup, use less barley or check the consistency during cooking and add a little extra broth as needed.
Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor:
For a burst of fresh flavor, add fresh thyme or parsley at the end of cooking. This simple addition elevates the dish with a vibrant, herbal note that complements the rich beef and barley.
Season Gradually:
It’s always a good idea to season your soup gradually. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper, and then taste as it simmers. Adjust the seasoning to your preference at the end of cooking for the perfect balance.
Let It Rest:
If you can, let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite even more flavorful.
Make It Ahead:
Beef and barley soup is one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day. It’s perfect for meal prep, and the flavors continue to develop and deepen as it sits in the fridge.
With these pro tips, you’ll be able to make a beef and barley soup that’s not only delicious but perfectly balanced in flavor and texture. Enjoy the process and the wonderful outcome!
Variations of Beef and Barley Soup
While this beef and barley soup is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some variations to consider:
Add More Vegetables:
Feel free to add extra vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or mushrooms. These ingredients will absorb the flavors of the broth and make the soup even heartier. Try adding green beans or spinach towards the end for a fresh touch.
Swap Barley for Quinoa or Rice:
If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, substitute barley with quinoa or rice. These grains will still provide a similar texture but without the gluten. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as quinoa and rice cook faster than barley.
Make It Spicy:
Add a kick of heat by tossing in some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables. This will give the soup a zesty, warming touch.
Serving Suggestions for Beef and Barley Soup
Beef and barley soup is a hearty dish that’s perfect on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make the meal even more satisfying. Here are a few serving ideas to elevate your soup experience:
Crusty Bread:
A warm, rustic loaf of crusty bread is the perfect companion for this soup. Use it to scoop up the delicious broth or dip it into the savory soup for the ultimate comfort meal.
Side Salad:
A light, refreshing salad can balance the richness of the soup. Consider a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The crispness and acidity will complement the hearty flavors of the beef and barley.
Cheese Pairing:
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few slices of sharp cheddar on top of your soup can add a deliciously creamy finish. The cheese melts beautifully into the broth, adding richness and depth.
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FAQs About Beef and Barley Soup
Here are some frequently asked questions about making beef and barley soup. These answers will help guide you through any uncertainties and ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.
How do I thicken beef and barley soup?
If your soup is too thin, simply let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer. This allows the liquid to reduce and the flavors to concentrate. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables or barley to naturally thicken the soup.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make beef and barley soup in a slow cooker, brown the beef first and then combine it with the rest of the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, and the result will be tender beef and flavorful broth.
What is the best type of barley for soup?
Pearl barley is the most common and works perfectly in soup. It has a chewy texture and absorbs the flavors of the broth beautifully. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can use hulled barley, though it may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Can I use ground beef in this recipe?
While ground beef can be used, the texture and flavor will be different from the traditional stew meat. Ground beef cooks faster and doesn’t provide the same rich, hearty texture. If using ground beef, brown it first and then proceed with the recipe as directed.
beef and barley soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup barley pearled barley works best
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups beef broth or vegetable broth for a lighter version
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil for browning the beef
Instructions
Brown the Beef:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown on all sides. This step adds flavor, so don’t rush it. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
Add the Broth and Seasoning:
- Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (that’s flavor!). Stir in the thyme and bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper.
Simmer the Soup:
- Return the browned beef to the pot, along with any juices that have collected on the plate. Add the barley and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.
Final Seasoning:
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy this comforting, hearty meal! Serve it with some crusty bread for the ultimate cozy experience.