Beef Barley Soup

This Beef Barley Soup is a hearty, comforting meal loaded with tender beef, wholesome pearl barley, fresh vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It’s the perfect one-pot recipe for chilly days, meal prep, or an easy family dinner that tastes even better the next day.

Beef Barley Soup

Make this hearty Beef Barley Soup with tender beef, pearl barley, vegetables, and rich broth. An easy homemade soup that's perfect for cozy family dinners.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Calories: 395

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Soup
• 1½ pounds beef stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 carrots sliced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For Garnish
• Fresh parsley chopped
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef with salt and black pepper.
3. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms.
5. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
6. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
7. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
8. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
9. Return the browned beef to the pot.
10. Add the pearl barley, bay leaves, thyme, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.
11. Bring the soup to a boil.
12. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60 to 75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the barley is cooked.
13. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
14. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
15. Garnish with chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper.

Notes

• Brown the beef well for the richest flavor.
• Pearl barley thickens the soup as it cooks.
• Stir occasionally to keep the barley from sticking.
• Add extra broth if the soup becomes too thick.
• Fresh herbs make a great finishing touch.

Variations

• Add potatoes for a heartier soup.
• Stir in spinach during the last few minutes.
• Use ground beef for a quicker version.
• Add frozen peas before serving.
• Replace mushrooms with green beans if preferred.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty artisan bread
• Garlic bread
• Dinner rolls
• Caesar salad
• Mixed green salad
• Grilled cheese sandwich

Tips

• Cut the beef into evenly sized pieces.
• Low and slow cooking makes the beef extra tender.
• Refrigerate overnight for even better flavor.
• Freeze portions for quick future meals.
• Add a splash of broth when reheating if needed.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Servings

Serves: 6 to 8

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 395
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fat: 18g
• Sodium: 690mg

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes. Chuck roast, stew meat, or even leftover roast beef work well. Chuck roast becomes especially tender after simmering.

What is pearl barley?

Pearl barley is barley that has had its outer hull removed, allowing it to cook faster while giving the soup a hearty, slightly chewy texture.

Can I make Beef Barley Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors deepen overnight, making it one of the best soups to prepare a day in advance.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes. Let the soup cool completely, then freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Keep in mind the barley may absorb more broth after thawing, so add extra broth when reheating.

How do I keep the barley from getting too soft?

If you plan to make the soup well ahead or freeze it, cook the barley separately and stir it into each serving before eating.

What can I serve with Beef Barley Soup?

This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, garlic bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Beef Barley Soup is a timeless comfort food that’s packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and colorful vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s easy to prepare, great for meal prep, and makes a satisfying family dinner any time of year.