Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Hearty Beef Barley Soup is a must-try recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly night or a hearty dish to meal prep for the week, this soup has got you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Rich flavors that come together beautifully with each spoonful.
- Quick and easy prep time, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Ideal for meal prep – make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Stewing meat: Adds richness and depth to the soup.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the soup with a delicious blend of herbs.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor.
- White onion and garlic: Provide aromatic flavor base.
- Celery and potato: Add texture and heartiness to the soup.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Convenient and adds variety.
- Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.
- Olive oil: For sautéing ingredients.
- Diced tomatoes and beef broth: Create a flavorful base.
- Barley: Adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture to the soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Season the stewing meat with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the meat.
- Add onion, garlic, celery, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until fragrant.
- Stir in potatoes, frozen vegetables, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add barley and continue to simmer until barley is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Helpful Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in stewing meat.
- Substitute any vegetables you have on hand for the frozen mixed vegetables.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a thicker soup, add more barley.
- Let the soup sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Freshly chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Hearty Beef Barley Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A glass of red wine or a hearty beer complements the rich flavors of the soup perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can brown the meat and sauté the vegetables before transferring everything to a slow cooker to cook on low for 6-8 hours. - Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. - Can I use pearl barley instead of hulled barley?
Yes, pearl barley cooks faster than hulled barley, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion:
With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this Hearty Beef Barley Soup is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy the warmth and comfort of a delicious bowl of homemade soup.
Print
Hearty Beef Barley Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hearty Beef Barley Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for chilly days. Tender stewing meat, barley, and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth create a delicious and filling dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds stewing meat, cut into small pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 6–7 cups beef broth
- ⅔ cup barley
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup white onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- 1 large Russet potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup frozen vegetables (mixed)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Season the stewing meat with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the meat. Add onion, garlic, and celery, cook until softened.
- Cook the Soup: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and barley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
- Finish the Soup: Add potatoes and frozen vegetables. Cook until barley and vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- For a thicker soup, you can add more barley or reduce the amount of broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg