Beef Barley Soup Recipe

ByEmma

This hearty Beef Barley Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for cozy evenings. With tender chunks of beef, chewy barley, and a flavorful broth, it’s a meal that will warm you up from the inside out. The combination of simple ingredients creates a savory, satisfying soup your whole family will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef stew meat (cubed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. This step adds deep flavor to your soup, so don’t rush it. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, just until fragrant.

3. Add Broth and Barley

Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Stir in the pearl barley, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, allowing the soup to simmer.

4. Simmer and Cook

Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the barley has fully cooked. Stir occasionally and skim off any foam that forms on the surface.

5. Season and Serve

Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaves. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a richer flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up.

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Beef Barley Soup

  • Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For tender beef, opt for a tougher cut like chuck roast or brisket. These cuts become melt-in-your-mouth tender after simmering for a while.
  • Cook the Barley Separately: If you prefer a thicker soup or want to prevent the barley from absorbing too much of the liquid, cook the barley separately and stir it into the soup at the end.
  • Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.
  • Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or green beans to make the soup even heartier.

Conclusion

This Beef Barley Soup is a filling and delicious dish that will keep you warm during chilly days. It’s simple to make with basic ingredients and packed with flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner or meal prep, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

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