Beef Barley Soup
Beef Barley Soup: A Heartwarming Comfort Dish
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Beef Barley Soup to make you feel cozy and satisfied. This hearty dish combines tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables in a rich beef broth. It’s perfect for cold days or when you need a little comfort food to lift your spirits. Plus, it’s simple to whip up, making it a fantastic choice for any home cook, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned chef.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 24 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 650 mg
Why I Love This Beef Barley Soup
I cherish this Beef Barley Soup recipe because it reminds me of my childhood. There’s something magical about the smell of simmering beef and vegetables filling the kitchen—it feels like a warm hug! The barley gives it an incredible texture, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the broth. It’s easy to make, and I love how it’s one of those recipes where you can throw everything in and let it do its thing. Perfect for chilly evenings or when friends come over, this soup always hits the spot!
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 cup barley
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Beef Barley Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium-high heat. This step is crucial as it adds depth and flavor to the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The aroma will be delightful!
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Pour in the beef broth and add the barley, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 1 hour, until the beef and barley are tender.
Step 6: Season
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking—this is where you can really make it your own!
Step 7: Serve
Remove the bay leaf before serving the soup.
Step 8: Garnish
Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch and a pop of color.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of red wine when you pour in the beef broth. It will elevate the flavors even more.
- If you want to make this dish gluten-free, swap the barley for quinoa or brown rice.
- To save time, use pre-cut vegetables from your grocery store.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Delicious Variations
- Try a Classic Chicken Noodle Soup for a lighter option.
- Tuscan White Bean and Kale Soup offers a hearty, vegetarian choice.
- Lentil Soup provides another protein-packed alternative.
- Enjoy a Creamy Mushroom Soup for a drizzle of indulgence in your meal!
Serving Suggestions for Beef Barley Soup
Serve your Beef Barley Soup hot, ideally in a deep bowl for that comforting feel. It’s perfect as a cozy dinner dish on a chilly evening, alongside a slice of warm, homemade bread or a fresh side salad. A crisp white wine could complement the flavors beautifully as well. If you’re looking for something to pair it with, try a classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich for a nostalgic twist!
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftover Beef Barley Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up on the stove until heated through.
Helpful Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can use ground beef or even shredded chicken for a different twist.What can I add for more flavor?
Adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can really enhance the umami flavors.Is barley the only grain I can use?
No, you can substitute barley for quinoa, rice, or even farro. Adjust cooking times accordingly.How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the barley or vegetables once cooked or add a cornstarch slurry.Is this soup freezable?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just ensure it’s in a suitable container and thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Beef Barley Soup
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A heartwarming comfort dish combining tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables in a rich beef broth, perfect for cold days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 cup barley
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the beef stew meat over medium-high heat in a large pot.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery; cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the beef broth, add the barley, dried thyme, and bay leaf; stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra richness, add a splash of red wine when pouring in the broth. This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting barley with quinoa or brown rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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