Beef Barley Soup, a comforting and rustic dish steeped in history, has been a beloved staple for generations. Originating in 18th-century Colonial America, this hearty recipe has stood the test of time, blending tender beef, wholesome barley, and flavorful vegetables into a meal that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying. While the methods and ingredients may have evolved, the essence of this soul-warming dish remains unchanged.
Why Choose Beef Barley Soup?
This wholesome soup isn’t just a delight for the palate—it’s packed with nutrients, too! With approximately 165 calories per cup, under 5 grams of fat, and nearly 20 grams of protein, it’s a filling yet healthy option. The medley of vegetables, whole grains, and fiber creates a satisfying meal that provides energy and nourishment. However, it’s worth noting that with 13.5 grams of carbohydrates per cup, this dish isn’t suitable for low-carb or Keto diets. Additionally, because barley contains gluten, it’s not gluten-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Olive oil
- Beef stew meat
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, garlic
- Diced tomatoes
- Herbs: Thyme and bay leaves
- Beef broth
- Barley: Choose between quick barley or regular pearled barley
- Seasoning: Kosher salt and ground black pepper
How to Make Beef Barley Soup
- Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven, then sear chunks of beef until golden brown. This step builds a rich, flavorful base for the soup. - Toast the Aromatics:
Add onions and spices to the pot, sautéing until fragrant to awaken their flavors. - Add Vegetables, Broth, and Barley:
Stir in carrots, celery, mushrooms, garlic, diced tomatoes, and your choice of barley. Pour in beef broth and let everything simmer gently until the ingredients are tender and the flavors meld together. - Choose Your Barley:
For a quick version, use quick barley, which cooks in about 10-15 minutes. For a heartier, more flavorful soup, opt for regular pearled barley, which takes 30-40 minutes to cook.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Prepare the soup a day in advance, let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
- Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Once chilled, skim off solidified fat if desired or stir it back in. Reheat gently on the stovetop in a covered saucepan or Dutch oven until warmed through.
Recipe Variations
- Use regular pearl barley instead of quick barley for a deeper flavor, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- Substitute beef stew meat with diced chuck or short ribs for an extra-tender result.
- Enhance the soup’s depth with a splash of red wine, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, oregano, or chives.
- For a richer tomato base, add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste when cooking the mushrooms and garlic.
- Chicken broth can replace beef broth for a lighter version, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Tips for the Best Beef Barley Soup
- This recipe yields a generous portion; freeze leftovers or halve the ingredients for a smaller batch.
- Brown the meat in small batches to avoid steaming and ensure a caramelized crust.
- Simmer the soup long enough for the beef to become tender and flavorful.
- Keep the pot covered while cooking to retain moisture.
- Garnish servings with fresh parsley or herbs for a vibrant, fresh touch.
Servings: 14 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Calories: 165 kcal
Warm your soul with this comforting and hearty Beef Barley Soup. Packed with tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and chewy barley, this classic recipe is perfect for cozy nights or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup quick barley
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Sear the beef on all sides, about 10 minutes, until browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and set it aside. - Cook the Vegetables:
Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms and garlic, cooking for an additional minute. - Build the Soup Base:
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), thyme, bay leaves, and beef broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Return the beef to the pot and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. - Simmer the Soup:
Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender. - Add Barley:
Stir in the quick barley, cover, and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the barley is tender. - Final Touches:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley, for a bright, fresh finish.
Chef’s Notes
- Browning the beef is essential for deep, rich flavor—don’t skip this step!
- Avoid overcrowding the pot while browning the meat to ensure a proper sear.
- Simmer the beef long enough to achieve tender, melt-in-your-mouth results.
- Cover the pot during simmering to retain moisture and intensify flavors.
- Quick barley is convenient, but regular pearled barley can be used if simmered for an additional 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (Per 1-Cup Serving)
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Fat: 4.7g
- Cholesterol: 43mg
- Sodium: 392mg
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 18g
Savor this hearty Beef Barley Soup, a comforting dish that’s both flavorful and nourishing. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as leftovers!
