This hearty beef barley soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender beef, chewy barley, and colorful vegetables, it’s perfect for chilly evenings.
I love how it fills the kitchen with a delicious smell while cooking. Plus, it’s easy to make—a big pot means leftovers for lunch, too! What’s better than that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: This is the main star of the soup. Look for chuck roast or round steak for good flavor and tenderness. If you want a leaner option, you can use sirloin or even swap it out for chicken or turkey for a lighter take.
Pearl Barley: The chewy texture of pearl barley adds heartiness to the soup. If you can’t find barley, try using brown rice or even farro instead—just be sure to adjust cooking time based on the grain you choose.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery bring sweetness and crunch. Feel free to add other veggies like peas or green beans for an extra boost of color and nutrition. I enjoy adding spinach for a pop of green as well.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is always best, but store-bought works just fine. If you want to lighten the soup, use vegetable broth or make it with no-salt-added versions to control the seasoning.
How Do I Get My Beef to Be Extra Tender?
Cooking beef until it’s tender in this soup takes some time, but the results are worth it! Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Start by browning the beef well. This adds great flavor.
- Add enough liquid (broth and water) to ensure the beef simmers gently.
- Cover the pot while cooking to keep moisture in.
- Simmer slowly on low heat for 45-60 minutes; this lets the connective tissue break down and makes the beef tender.
Give it a taste test near the end. If you can easily shred the beef with a fork, you’re on the right track!
Hearty Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water (optional, to adjust thickness)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty beef barley soup requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 60 minutes of cooking time. That’s 75 minutes total to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for cozy evenings at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside for now.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes or until they are softened and fragrant. This step builds a delicious base for your soup!
3. Add Tomato Paste:
Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of our soup, making it rich and hearty.
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to return the browned beef to the pot! Add in the beef broth, pearl barley, thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for 45-60 minutes. This will make the beef tender and the barley cooked through. If at any point your soup seems too thick, feel free to add in that optional cup of water!
6. Final Touches:
Once the beef is tender and the barley is nice and chewy, remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs if you used fresh thyme. Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh burst of flavor.
7. Taste and Serve:
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—add more salt and pepper if desired. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme if you like!
Enjoy your cozy, hearty beef barley soup! It’s the perfect meal to warm you up.
FAQ for Hearty Beef Barley Soup
Can I Use a Different Kind of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is traditional and provides great flavor, you can substitute it with chicken or turkey. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as poultry typically cooks faster.
What Can I Substitute for Pearl Barley?
If you can’t find pearl barley, you can use brown rice or farro as alternatives. Keep in mind that the cooking times will vary—check package instructions and adjust the simmering time as needed!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftover beef barley soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and actually tastes even better the next day! Just let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. You can then reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy!
