Hearty Homemade Beef Barley Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Crafting a hearty beef barley soup brings comfort to chilly evenings and warm memories of home-cooked meals.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic recipe that promises rich, satisfying flavors.

Tender beef chunks mingle with plump barley kernels, creating a substantial and nourishing dish.

Fragrant herbs and vegetables add depth and complexity to each spoonful.

Simple preparation techniques make this soup accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Seasonal vegetables can personalize the recipe, letting you experiment with local produce.

Your kitchen will soon fill with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

Why Easy Beef Barley Soup Recipe Is a Hearty Comfort

• Create Comfort in a Bowl: Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and nutritious barley, this soup wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket on a chilly day.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn professional chef-level skills like searing meat, developing flavor through deglazing, and creating rich broths with minimal kitchen experience.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables, adjust spices, or add extra ingredients to make this versatile soup match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from beef, fiber from barley, and vitamins from vegetables, this soup delivers a balanced meal that keeps you satisfied and energized.

Ingredients for Easy Beef Barley Soup Recipe

• Stewing Beef: A tender meat cut that becomes deliciously soft when slow-cooked in the soup.
• Flour: A coating that helps create a golden crust on the beef and thickens the soup's broth.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix combination that provides a deep, rich flavor foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and warming taste to the overall dish.
• Tomato Paste: Contributes a rich, slightly sweet depth to the soup's flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing beef and sautéing vegetables to develop rich flavors.
• Beef Broth, Water: Create the liquid base of the soup, providing moisture and depth.
• Oregano: A herb that brings a subtle earthy and slightly peppery taste to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Barley: A hearty grain that adds texture and makes the soup more filling.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that adds a fresh, herbal note to the finished dish.

How to Make Easy Beef Barley Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Delicious Beef

Grab your stewing beef and shower it with salt and pepper. Pop the seasoned beef into a ziplock bag and sprinkle flour over it. Shake the bag vigorously until every piece of beef gets a lovely flour coating. This trick helps create a golden, crispy exterior when you sear the meat.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Fire up a large Dutch oven with olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place beef pieces into the hot pan, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Let each piece dance and sizzle for about 3 minutes per side until it develops a beautiful brown crust. Transfer the browned beef to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 3: Saute Veggie Base

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Stir and cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aromatic magic.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Tomato paste

Stir quickly for 30 seconds to wake up those ingredients. Pour in some beef broth and scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add remaining broth, water, and return the seared beef to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes until beef becomes meltingly tender.

Step 5: Introduce Hearty Barley

Once beef reaches peak tenderness, sprinkle barley into the pot. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup looks too thick, splash in some extra water to reach your perfect consistency.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

Turn off the heat when barley is perfectly cooked and soup reaches that ultimate comfort-food thickness. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Ladle into warm bowls and serve alongside a chunk of crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal.

Pro Tips for Easy Beef Barley Soup Recipe

• Boost Beef Flavor: Marinate the stewing beef in Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance its depth and richness.
• Prevent Barley Sticking: Stir the soup frequently during the last 30 minutes of cooking and add extra liquid if needed to keep the barley from clumping or burning.
• Smart Meat Selection: Choose chuck roast or short ribs for maximum tenderness and rich flavor, as these cuts become incredibly soft during slow cooking.
• Meal Prep Magic: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace barley with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini for a lower-carbohydrate version that still delivers hearty satisfaction.

Variation Suggestions for Easy Beef Barley Soup Recipe

• Lamb Barley Stew: Swap beef with tender lamb chunks for a Mediterranean-inspired version, keeping the same cooking method and spices.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Barley Soup: Replace beef with mixed mushrooms like shiitake and portobello, using vegetable broth and adding extra umami with soy sauce.
• Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after searing beef, cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach.
• Gluten-Free Quinoa Version: Substitute barley with quinoa for a gluten-free alternative, maintaining the same rich broth and vegetable profile.

Pairing Ideas for Easy Beef Barley Soup Recipe

• Savor Crusty Bread Pairing: Tear into a warm, rustic sourdough or whole wheat bread to soak up the rich, savory broth, enhancing every spoonful of the hearty beef barley soup.
• Complement with Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, whose robust flavors will match the deep, meaty essence of the soup and cut through its richness.
• Elevate with Fresh Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the soup's warm, heavy texture.

Storage Advice for Easy Beef Barley Soup Recipe

• Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor integrity.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the soup will last 3-4 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature and continue heating until steaming hot.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps restore the soup's original texture and prevents burning.

FAQs on Easy Beef Barley Soup Recipe

• What type of beef works best for this soup?

Chuck roast or stew meat are ideal because they’re tough cuts that become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, adding rich depth to the soup.

• Why do I need to coat the beef in flour?

Coating the beef in flour helps create a delicious golden-brown crust when searing and thickens the soup’s broth, giving it a more luxurious texture.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! After searing the beef and sautéing vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender and falling apart.

Easy Beef Barley Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef barley soup brings rustic comfort straight from grandmother’s kitchen, combining tender meat, wholesome grains, and rich broth. Warm spoons of savory goodness invite you to savor each delicious, nourishing bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound stewing beef
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 1 onion
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 3 garlic cloves

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the beef by coating generously with salt, pepper, and flour in a ziplock bag until evenly distributed. The flour will help create a golden crust during searing.
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven at medium-high temperature. Sear beef pieces in batches for approximately 3 minutes per side, ensuring each piece develops a deep brown color without overcrowding the pan.
3. Remove browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, add additional olive oil if needed and sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become translucent.
4. Incorporate minced garlic, oregano, and tomato paste into the vegetable mixture. Stir for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors. Deglaze the pot with beef broth, scraping up caramelized bits from the bottom.
5. Return seared beef to the pot. Pour remaining beef broth and water, then season with additional salt and pepper. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until beef becomes tender.
6. Add barley to the pot, stirring to distribute evenly. Continue cooking, covered, for an additional 25-30 minutes. Monitor liquid levels, adding water if the soup becomes too thick.
7. Once barley is fully cooked and soup reaches a rich, hearty consistency, remove from heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve immediately with crusty bread for a complete, warming meal.

Notes

• Flour your beef generously to create a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in rich flavor and adds delightful texture to each tender bite.
• Sear beef in batches to prevent overcrowding, ensuring each piece develops a deep, caramelized exterior that enhances the soup’s overall depth.
• Choose chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling for maximum tenderness and a melt-in-your-mouth experience that elevates the entire dish.
• Swap beef for mushrooms and vegetable broth to transform this into a hearty vegetarian soup that maintains incredible richness and satisfying substance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg