When the weather turns chilly, or you simply crave something warm and cozy, nothing beats a steaming bowl of beef barley soup. Packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of nourishing vegetables, this soup is the perfect combination of hearty comfort food and a nutritious meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a starter, this easy recipe is destined to become a family favorite. Let's jump right in!
Ingredients for Beef Barley Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting and filling soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 pound stewing beef (such as chuck or sirloin), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped (optional, for added greens)
This ingredient list is simple yet flexible. Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on what you have in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This step helps seal in the flavor, so don’t skip it! Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Broth
Return the beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir well to combine. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
4. Add the Barley
Once the soup is boiling, stir in the pearl barley. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 45–50 minutes. Check occasionally and stir to prevent the barley from sticking to the bottom.
5. Add Greens (Optional) & Adjust Seasoning
If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it into the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt quickly and add a boost of nutrition. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bay leaf and ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve with warm crusty bread or a side of crackers for the ultimate cozy meal.
Customization Tips
Beef barley soup is wonderfully adaptable, making it a great choice for utilizing pantry staples or leftover ingredients. Here are a few ideas to customize your soup:
- Swap the Beef: If you don’t have stewing beef, ground beef or leftover roast beef works too.
- Make It Vegetarian: Replace beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
- Boost the Veggies: Add potatoes, green beans, peas, or parsnips for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Scatter some chili flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Use Different Grains: If you don’t have barley, farro, quinoa, or rice are excellent substitutes.
For added convenience, this soup can also be made in a slow cooker. Just brown the beef and vegetables on the stove first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This beef barley soup is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Not only is it rich, satisfying, and full of bold flavors, but it’s also packed with fiber, vitamins, and protein to keep you energized. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are just as delicious.
Make a big pot today and savor the warmth of this easy recipe that truly feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition.
Warm bowls are waiting! Try it out and enjoy every spoonful.
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