What is comfort food? What is that kind of dish that warms you from the inside out? Happy memories, and the kind that’s so satisfying, you’ll want to curl up on the couch with a big hug. What is a good book for bowling? What is a good beef barley soup recipe? If you love a hearty chicken noodle soup, imagine that, but with even more body, flavor, and chunks. What are the best ways to cook tender This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Is it a crowd-pleaser?
What is Beef Barley Soup?
Beef barley soup is, essentially, the ultimate hearty soup. Think of it as a distant cousin to beef stew, but with lighter broth and the addition of chewy, smoky, and savory spices. I prefer stew meat or chuck roast, but this is a vegetarian recipe. It’s typically made with chunks of beef (I prefer roasted chicken), vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and veg. What are some good sources of carrots, celery, onions, and pearl barley? How does barley thicken soup? It’s a classic dish with variations found around the world, each with its own unique twist. What makes this dish so special is the combination of savory beef, tender veggies, and the wholesome ingredients. What is the goodness of barley, all simmered together in a rich and flavorful broth?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to make beef barley soup? First, the taste is incredible. It’s a symphony of savory beef, sweet carrots, earthy barley, and aromatic herbs. The long simmering time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating depth of flavor. What is the most satisfying taste you’ve ever had Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Don’t let the long ingredient list intimidate you. Is it a matter of chopping veggies and letting the soup simmer? What is a good recipe for letting bubble away on the weekend? Third, it’s incredibly cost-effective. What are some good ways to cut beef for an affordable price? Is it really a “versatile” Can you substitute beef for lamb or chicken? What seasonings do you like? What is a blank canvas for culinary creativity? What I love about this recipe is how comforting it is. What is the kind of soup that makes you feel good from the inside out? When you feel under the weather. If you love lentil soup and minestrone, you’re going to absolutely love this recipe.
How do I make Beef Barley Soup?
Quick Overview
How do I make beef barley soup? I’ll start by browning the beef to create a rich, flavorful base. What are some ways to sauté vegetables to release their aromas? Next, you’ll add the barley, broth, seasonings, and let the whole thing simmer until the beef is cooked through. The barley is cooked through. It’s very tender. What is the magic of letting soup simmer for a long time? What is the aroma that will fill your kitchen while this simmers? Don’t let the simmering time scare you away – most of it is hands off time, so it’s the perfect perfect time. What are some easy meals to make ahead of time for a busy week?
Ingredients
For the Beef:
* 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes. I prefer chuck roast, as it becomes incredibly tender during the long simmering time. How do I find a well-marbled cut for the best flavor? Can you use vegetable oil or bacon grease for extra flavor? * 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste. I always use kosher salt but sea salt works great too. * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste. Freshly ground pepper is always best!
For the Vegetables:
* 1 large onion, chopped. Yellow or white onion will work. * 2 carrots, peeled and chopped, if desired. What are the best carrots to eat? * 2 celery stalks, chopped. Make sure to wash them well! * 1 clove of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is a must! * 1 cup chopped mushrooms (optional). I love adding mushrooms for extra earthy flavor. Cremini or button mushrooms work great. * 1 teaspoon dried thyme is even better if you have it! * 1/2 teaspoon dry rosemary. What is the best way to use rosemary? Don’t forget to remove it before serving! * 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a nice smoky flavor.
For the Soup:
* 8 cups beef broth. Homemade is best, but store-bought works just fine. Is low-sodium a good option to control the salt level? What is barley starch? Make sure to rinse well. * 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. This adds a nice depth of flavor. * 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish. Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to any dish.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Season beef with salt and pepper. Add beef to a large pot and brown on all sides. Stir well. Do you need to do this in batches? Browning beef is crucial for developing flavor, don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Add the onion, carrots, celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. What are some good vegetables to cook in a soup?
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Add the garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pot and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Beef
Add the diced tomatoes, browned beef, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine. The tomatoes add depth of flavor to the soup.
Step 5: Add Broth and Barley
Add the beef broth and the rinsed pearl barley and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour. 5-2 hours, or until the beef is very tender and the barley is cooked through. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor will be!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Step 7: Cool, Store & Reheat
Let the soup cool down before storing. Divide into meal-sized portions into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for a maximum of 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave, or simmer in a pot over medium heat until warmed through. Why does soup always taste better the next day?
8. Adapt & Enjoy
What are some of the best recipes to make your own! Try adding other vegetables like potatoes, peas, or green beans. What are some ways to add a splash of red wine to your meal? If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some barley or add cornstarch slurry. How do you customize a recipe?
What is the best way to serve it?
What is a good beef barley soup?For a light lunch:Serve with a green salad and crusty bread for dipping.What is a hearty dinner?Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich or baked potato.For a Special Occasion:Serve it as a starter before roast dinner or holiday meal. My family always loves to have a big loaf of warm sourdough bread to soak up all the delicious flavor. What are some good side dishes to serve with sour cream? Is it possible to go wrong with any of these pairings?
How do I make Beef Barley Soup?
What are some tips for making beef barley soup?Browning Beef: What are some Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the beef. Brown it in batches to ensure that each piece gets a nice sear. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
What is the best way to sautéDon’t rush sautéing. Cook the vegetables until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. What is the best way to enhance your food’s flavor?Simmering Time:Be patient and let the soup simmer for a long time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the tender the beef will be. I usually let it simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, but sometimes even longer.What is the best way to adjust theIf the soup is too thick, add more broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can mash some of the barley or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.Seasoning:Don’t be afraid to season with salt and pepper. Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed.Adding Acid:Can you add a splash of vinegar at the end of soup? I made the mistake of not browning the beef properly the first time and the soup lacked the deep, deep flavor. Is there a rich flavor I was looking for? Another time, I didn’t simmer it long enough and the beef was tough. How do I make a perfect bowl of beef barley soup?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This beef barley soup is perfect for making ahead of time, as the flavors only get better with time.
Room Temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure the soup is properly cooled prior to refrigerating, and place it into shallow containers to accelerate the cooling process.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Make sure to remove as much air from freezer bags as possible, as this will help to prevent freezer burn.
Glaze Timing Advice: It is best to fully prepare the soup and let cool before storing, rather than storing ingredients separately. When reheating the frozen soup, add 1/2 cup of broth or water to reconstitute before cooking on medium until boiling, then simmering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy this **beef barley soup recipe** as much as my family does. It’s a comforting, hearty, and delicious soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a warming meal on a chilly day, this soup is sure to hit the spot. And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other soup recipes for more inspiration! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations of this recipe. Happy cooking!
Beef Barley Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Beef stew meat
- 1 cup Barley
- 8 cups Beef broth
- 1 cup Chopped carrots
- 1 cup Chopped celery
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Add carrots and celery to the pot and cook until softened.
- Return the beef to the pot. Add barley, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
