Beef Barley Soup 🍲🥕🥩

 

“A hearty and flavorful soup packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables – perfect for any season!”

This Beef Barley Soup is comforting, nutritious, and versatile. Whether made quickly with stew meat or simmered low and slow with a chuck roast, it’s sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

  • 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Soup Base:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup water (optional, for thinner broth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup barley, rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
  3. Add the beef to the pot and sear on all sides until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  2. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth

  1. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, water (if using), thyme, parsley, smoked paprika, and bay leaf to the pot.
  2. Return the seared beef to the pot and bring the soup to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.

Step 4: Add Barley and Corn

  1. Stir in the rinsed barley and corn kernels.
  2. Simmer for an additional 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is cooked and tender.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

  1. Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  • Serve with crusty bread or warm biscuits for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and Satisfying: A complete meal in one bowl.
  • Packed with Flavor: The combination of beef, barley, and vegetables makes it rich and comforting.
  • Nutritious: Full of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Tender Beef: For a melt-in-your-mouth texture, let the beef simmer low and slow.
  2. Barley Options: Use pearl barley for a softer texture or hulled barley for a chewier bite.
  3. Make It Your Own: Add mushrooms, peas, or potatoes for extra veggies.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

This Beef Barley Soup is a cozy and delicious way to enjoy a wholesome meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, it’s a timeless recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds. 🍲✨

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