Description

This hearty Beef Barley Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal featuring tender beef chuck, pearl barley, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a flavorful beef broth with herbs. Perfect for chilly days, this classic soup is rich in protein and fiber, offering a satisfying and wholesome dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Oil

1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil

Vegetables

1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
3 stalks celery, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

Liquids and Grains

8 cups beef broth
1 cup pearl barley

Herbs and Seasonings

1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides to develop rich flavor and seal in the juices. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Cook Vegetables: Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot with the onion and garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the vegetables and build flavor.
Add Main Ingredients and Herbs: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, add the pearl barley, undrained diced tomatoes, bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors.
Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through, absorbing the flavorful broth.
Season the Soup: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor. Serve the soup hot for a warming, nutritious meal.

Notes

For a richer flavor, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of pearl barley or let the soup simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth to make a lighter version, although the flavor might be less robust.
Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika can deepen the stew’s flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Beef Barley Soup, Hearty Soup, Comfort Food, Beef Stew, Pearl Barley Soup, Healthy Soup