Beef Barley Soup Recipe – A Hearty & Nutritious Meal

Beef Barley Soup is a timeless classic, offering a warm and comforting bowl of goodness. Packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a meal-prep-friendly lunch, this Beef Barley Soup Recipe is an excellent choice.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Sugar: 6g

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
• Course: Main Course, Soup
• Servings: 6-8

Equipment Needed

• Large Dutch oven or stockpot
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl (for seasoning mix)

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef stew meat and sear until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

3. In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

5. Add the browned beef back to the pot.
6. Pour in the beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes.
7. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
8. Add the bay leaf for extra depth of flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Add the pearl barley and sliced mushrooms (if using). Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning & Serve

11. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
12. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
13. Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
14. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Pair it with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir for an elegant touch.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Beef Barley Soup Recipe is a wholesome, satisfying dish perfect for any season. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, making it a great choice for a comforting and nourishing meal. Enjoy this delicious homemade soup with your family and savor every spoonful!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.