Beef barley soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm and satisfying meal. It’s packed with tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and chewy barley, making it a delicious and wholesome option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Rich flavors: The combination of beef, vegetables, and barley creates a flavorful and filling soup that will warm you from the inside out.
- Easy to make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Beef barley soup is a great option for meal prep as it can be made in advance and stored for later use.
Ingredient Notes:
- Stewing beef: Adds richness and flavor to the soup.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
- All-purpose flour: Used for dredging the beef before browning.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
- Onion, carrot, celery, garlic: A classic base for soups, adding depth of flavor.
- Oregano: Adds a hint of herbaceousness.
- Tomato paste: Provides a touch of acidity and richness.
- Beef broth and water: The base of the soup.
- Barley: Adds texture and heartiness.
- Parsley: For a fresh and vibrant finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Season the beef with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
- Brown the beef in olive oil until golden brown, then set aside.
- Sauté the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add oregano and tomato paste, then stir in beef broth and water.
- Return the beef to the pot, add barley, and simmer until beef is tender and barley is cooked.
- Stir in parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, swap the beef for mushrooms or additional vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a thicker soup, add more barley.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more salt or pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve beef barley soup with crusty bread for dipping or a side salad for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of red wine or a simple green tea for a cozy and satisfying experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use chicken or turkey as a substitute for beef.
- Is barley gluten-free?
- No, barley contains gluten, so if you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, you should avoid it.
- Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, beef barley soup freezes well. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- How can I thicken the soup?
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup until it reaches your desired thickness.
Conclusion:
Beef barley soup is a classic dish that never fails to satisfy. With its rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and simple preparation, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and enjoy a bowl of warm and comforting goodness!
PrintBeef Barley Soup
A hearty and comforting beef barley soup made with tender stewing beef, vegetables, and barley in a savory broth seasoned with herbs and garlic.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound stewing beef
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or more if needed)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 large carrot (peeled and chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (cleaned and chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon oregano (fresh, chopped (or 1 tsp dried oregano))
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 3 cups water
- ¾ cup barley (I used pearl barley)
- 1 tablespoon parsley (fresh, chopped)
Instructions
- Season and brown the beef: Season the beef with salt and pepper, then coat with flour. Brown the beef in a large pot with olive oil.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Add onion, carrot, celery, garlic, oregano, and tomato paste. Cook until vegetables soften.
- Add broth, water, and barley: Pour in beef broth and water, then add barley. Simmer until barley is tender.
- Finish with parsley: Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can add more vegetables like potatoes or peas for added flavor and nutrients.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg