Go Back

Comforting Beef Barley Soup

A delightful blend of tender beef, wholesome barley, and hearty vegetables, perfect for cold days.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

Meat and Broth

  • 2 pounds Beef Chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes For tender bites.
  • 6 cups Beef Broth/Stock Preferably low-sodium.

Vegetables

  • 1 medium Onion, finely chopped To build a flavor base.
  • 2 medium Carrots, peeled and diced For sweetness and color.
  • 2 stalks Celery, diced For classic soup flavor.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced For aromatic richness.
  • 2 medium Diced Potatoes (optional) Adds comforting starchiness.
  • 1 cup Mushrooms (optional) Adds a savory, umami boost.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley For garnish and a fresh touch.

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Adds warmth and depth.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Offers an earthy flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Complements the other flavors.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Imparts a subtle herbal note.

Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Enhances flavors and helps with browning.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Enhances the soup's depth of flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce For umami goodness.
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (optional) Adds extra depth.
  • 1 cup Pearl Barley, rinsed Whole grains add heartiness.

Optional Thickening

  • ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour (optional) For thickening the broth slightly.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Gather and prep all ingredients: chop vegetables, cut the beef, and rinse the pearl barley.

Cooking

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef, season with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides for about 5–7 minutes.
  • If including flour, sprinkle it over the browned beef and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Stir in onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
  • Pour in the beef broth, then add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves.
  • After the broth comes to a gentle boil, add rinsed pearl barley and diced potatoes if using.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes until the beef is tender and barley is chewy but not mushy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Serving

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
  • Serve with crusty bread or a green salad.

Notes

The soup freezes well for up to three months. Be sure to cool completely before storing. Reheat over medium heat on the stovetop.
Keyword Beef Barley Soup, Comfort Food, Cozy Recipe, Hearty Soup, Winter Soup