Warm, hearty, and comforting, Beef Barley Soup is a classic dish that is not only delicious but also easy to make. This recipe is perfect for those cozy nights in or as a meal prep option for a busy week ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Rich flavors that come together beautifully
- Quick and simple preparation
- Ideal for meal prepping for the week ahead
Ingredient Notes:
- Stewing beef: Adds richness and depth to the soup
- Salt and pepper: Seasoning for taste
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup
- Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables
- Onion, carrot, celery: Aromatic vegetables that add flavor
- Garlic: Enhances the overall taste
- Oregano: Adds a hint of earthy flavor
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth
- Beef broth and water: The base of the soup
- Barley: Adds texture and heartiness
- Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Season beef with salt and pepper, then coat in flour.
- Brown beef in a large pot with olive oil.
- Add onion, carrot, celery, garlic, oregano, and tomato paste. Cook until vegetables are softened.
- Pour in beef broth and water, then add barley. Simmer until beef is tender and barley is cooked.
- Stir in parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For added flavor, consider using homemade beef broth.
- To save time, prep your vegetables in advance.
- Swap out the beef for chicken or mushrooms for a different variation.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during cooking.
- Allow the soup to sit for a few hours before serving for the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Beef Barley Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze Beef Barley Soup?
- Yes, this soup freezes well. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
- Can I use quick-cooking barley instead?
- Yes, but adjust cooking time accordingly as quick-cooking barley cooks faster.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Absolutely! Just brown the beef and vegetables before adding everything to the slow cooker.
- Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
- Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like potatoes or peas.
Conclusion:
Beef Barley Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a bowl of warmth and flavor. Don’t forget to share your feedback with us!
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Beef Barley Soup
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Beef Barley Soup recipe that is perfect for a chilly day. Tender stewing beef, barley, and vegetables simmered in a flavorful beef broth make this soup a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound stewing beef
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or more if needed)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 large carrot (peeled and chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (cleaned and chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon oregano (fresh, chopped (or 1 tsp dried oregano))
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
Liquid and Grains:
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 3 cups water
- 3/4 cup barley (I used pearl barley, see notes)
- 1 tablespoon parsley (fresh, chopped)
Instructions
- Coat beef: Season beef with salt and pepper, then coat in flour.
- Brown beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown beef on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in oregano and tomato paste. Add beef broth, water, barley, and browned beef. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour until beef is tender and barley is cooked.
- Finish and serve: Stir in parsley, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use quick-cooking barley for a faster cooking time.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like peas or potatoes for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg