If you’re looking for a hearty and nourishing meal to warm you up during chilly days, this Easy Beef Barley Soup is just what you need! This delicious soup is packed with tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and hearty barley, making it a perfect one-pot dish for family dinners or meal prep.

What makes this soup so special is its rich, savory flavor and the satisfying chew of the barley. This Easy Beef Barley Soup is not only comforting but also easy to make, ensuring that you can enjoy a wholesome meal without spending all day in the kitchen!

This Easy Beef Barley Soup features tender chunks of beef simmered with vegetables and pearl barley in a savory broth. Ready in about 1 hour, this dish is a filling and flavorful way to enjoy a wholesome soup!

With straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up this scrumptious soup in no time. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Exciting Story:

The first time I made Easy Beef Barley Soup, it was a chilly winter evening, and I wanted to create a comforting meal that would warm my family from the inside out. As the beef simmered with onions and carrots, the kitchen filled with delicious aromas, drawing everyone in for a taste!

Once the soup was ready, we gathered around the table, and the first spoonful was pure bliss—the combination of tender beef, hearty barley, and fresh vegetables was both satisfying and nourishing. This Easy Beef Barley Soup has since become a favorite in our home, perfect for cozy family dinners!

Why This Easy Beef Barley Soup?

• Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, this soup is a wholesome meal.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!
• Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or use whatever vegetables you have on hand.

How to Make Easy Beef Barley Soup

1. Sear the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and season with salt and pepper. Sear the beef for about 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Broth and Barley: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the pearl barley, thyme, and parsley. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the beef is cooked through.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy your Easy Beef Barley Soup warm. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread!

Tips For Easy Beef Barley Soup

• Use Quality Broth: Using homemade or low-sodium beef broth will enhance the flavor of your soup.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or green beans for added nutrition.

Substitutions and Variations

• Different Meats: You can use ground beef or diced chicken for a different twist.
• Add Spices: Consider adding a bay leaf or some crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use lean cuts of beef and add more vegetables to increase the fiber content and reduce calories.

Closing For Easy Beef Barley Soup

And there you have it! This Easy Beef Barley Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that will impress anyone who tries it. Don’t forget to let us know how your soup turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delightful meals!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Beef Barley Soup

How long can I store leftovers?
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I use instead of pearl barley?
You can use brown rice or quinoa as a substitute, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

How do I know when the barley is done?
The barley should be tender but still have a slight chew when fully cooked.

Can I add other flavors?
Yes! Feel free to add spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor.

What if I want to make it spicier?
Adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños can give your soup a kick!

What sides pair well with this soup?
Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

How can I make this more festive?
Consider adding a splash of red wine for depth of flavor!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can I use leftover roast beef?
Yes! You can add cooked roast beef at the end of cooking to warm it through.

How can I enhance the flavors?
Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra richness!

Easy Beef Barley Soup

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes, Drink Recipe, Lunch Recipe, Soup Recipe, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Soup:

• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 cups beef broth (or beef stock)

• 1 cup pearl barley

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• Sear the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and season with salt and pepper. Sear the beef for about 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
• Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the Broth and Barley: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the pearl barley, thyme, and parsley. Stir to combine.
• Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the beef is cooked through.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy your Easy Beef Barley Soup warm. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread!