Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food. I’m talking about that kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, the kind that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book. And for me, nothing beats a hearty bowl of **Beef Barley Soup**. It’s like a hug in a bowl, honestly. This isn’t your average canned soup, either – we’re talking rich, savory broth, tender chunks of beef, and perfectly chewy barley. Think of it as the distant, more sophisticated cousin of chicken noodle soup, but with way more depth and character. I’ve been making this recipe for years, tweaking it here and there until it’s become my absolute go-to on chilly evenings. Seriously, my family cheers when they see it on the menu! It is a real treat for a cold day!
What is Beef Barley Soup?
So, what exactly is **Beef Barley Soup**? Well, in its simplest form, it’s a soup made with beef broth, chunks of beef (usually stew meat or something similar), vegetables, and barley. But trust me, it’s so much more than the sum of its parts. Think of it as a rustic stew, but with the addition of barley, which gives it a lovely chewy texture and nutty flavor. It’s essentially a one-pot wonder that’s incredibly satisfying and filling. The beauty of this soup is that you can really customize it to your liking – add different vegetables, play around with the spices, or even swap out the beef for another protein. It’s super versatile and always a crowd-pleaser!
Why you will love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? There are just so many reasons to fall in love with this **Beef Barley Soup**. First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The rich beef broth, combined with the savory beef and earthy barley, creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. What I love most about this is how surprisingly easy it is to make. Don’t let the long cooking time intimidate you – most of it is hands-off simmering, which means you can relax and let the soup work its magic. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your house while it simmers is pure heaven!
And let’s not forget about how cost-efficient it is. Beef Stew meat is relatively inexpensive, and barley and vegetables are also budget-friendly. This is a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. It is naturally a very versatile meal, so you can modify the ingredients to fit whatever you want to have in it. I often enjoy this with a crust of bread. Another reason is that it is versatile – you can easily adapt it to your liking. Add more vegetables, swap out the beef for lamb, or even make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and adding lentils or beans. It’s a recipe that truly adapts to your needs and preferences. Honestly, I’ve made this countless times, and it always comes out delicious. It’s become a staple in my family, and I know it will become one in yours too!
How do I make Beef Barley Soup?
Quick Overview
Making **Beef Barley Soup** is easier than you think! Essentially, you’ll start by browning the beef, then sautéing the vegetables, and finally simmering everything together in a rich beef broth with barley until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. It’s a simple process that yields incredible results. I promise you don’t have to be a professional chef to make the perfect bowl of it!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil per 1 cup pasta.
- 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove.
- 8 cups beef broth (I prefer low sodium)
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed. 1 teaspoon salt.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme per 1 cup.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary. 1 tablespoon dried black pepper.
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: 1 cup chopped potatoes, 1 cups frozen peas.
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped.
What is the step-
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch Oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the pot and brown on all sides. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Don’t skip this step, browning the beef adds so much flavor to the soup!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is important for building a good flavor base for the soup.
Step 3: Add Broth and Barley
Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the rinsed pearl barley, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for the bay leaf. This will add to the soup’s savory profile.
Step 4: Return Beef and Simmer
Return the browned beef to the pot. Cover and simmer for at least 1 ½ – 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful the soup will become. I usually let it simmer for at least 2 hours for the best results.
Step 5: Add Optional Vegetables
If using potatoes and peas, add them to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This will ensure they are cooked through but not mushy. My kids love it with potatoes and peas, so I usually add them!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Remove bay leaf from soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. What is the best soup to serve hot?
What to Serve It With
This **Beef Barley Soup** is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments. For a hearty and satisfying meal, serve it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping into the savory broth. It is really great served on a cold night.
For Lunch:Grilled Cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing with tomato soup, and they’re equally delicious with sour cream. Beef Barley Soup. What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled cheese? I love dipping grilled cheese into soup!
For Dinner:A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds an interesting contrast to the rich soup. The acidity of vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup, creating a well-balanced meal. Add some salad to make it a complete meal!
For Game Night: What is the bestI love to eat a bowl of this while playing games with my family! So you can make this for any occasion and anyone who loves a good bowl of soup.
I love to pair a bowl of soup with warm bread. I have tested a lot of breads for this, and I find the sourdough is the best option. What kind of bread can you serve with it?
How do I make Beef Barley Soup?
What is the best way to take beef barley soup to the next level? What are some of my top tips, gathered from years of making this recipe?
Beef Browning:Make sure not to overcrowd the pot when browning beef. Brown in batches to ensure each piece gets a nice sear. Overcrowding will cause beef to steam instead of brown, which will result in less flavor.
Vegetable SautéDon’t rush sautéing. Sautéing the vegetables until soften helps to develop their flavors and create a richer soup base. Be patient and let them cook until they’re nice and tender.
Barley Rinse:Always rinse the pearl barley before adding it to the soup. How do you remove starch from soup? What is gummy soup?
Herb Timing:I prefer to use dried herbs in this soup, as they release their flavors slowly during the long cooking time. What is simmering time If you prefer to use fresh herbs, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to preserve them.
Slow Simmer:What is the secret to a delicious Beef Barley soup? If you simmer soup for at least 1 12 – 2 hours, the flavors will meld together and the beef will be tender. Can be incredibly tender. Don’t be tempted to rush the process!
Broth Quality: The quality of your beef broth will greatly impact the flavor of your soup. I recommend using a good-quality beef broth, preferably low sodium, so you can control the saltiness of the soup. You can also use homemade beef broth for an even richer flavor. And you can even use bone broth, which many health experts suggest is better for you!
I have changed up this recipe many times and the one thing that is always necessary is a good broth! I would go with the bone broth for the health benefits, but any broth will work.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This **Beef Barley Soup** is perfect for making ahead of time, as the flavors only get better with time. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend storing the soup at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating. This helps to prevent bacterial growth.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I like to freeze it in individual portions for easy lunches or dinners.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a little water or beef broth to thin it out.
It’s always best to use glass containers to prevent the soup from sticking to the container. And also, if you want to reheat it in the microwave, it is safe to do it in a glass container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my recipe for the best-ever **Beef Barley Soup**! It’s a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying soup that’s perfect for chilly days or any time you’re craving a comforting meal. I truly hope you’ll give it a try. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations. And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other soup recipes for more inspiration! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! I always love reading your comments and seeing your own variations. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends – they’ll thank you for it!
Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 4 cups beef stock
- 1 cup chopped carrots about 3 medium carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery about 3 stalks
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot, brown the beef over medium-high heat until well-seared.
- Add the chopped carrots and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in barley and beef stock, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 90 minutes or until the barley and beef are tender.
