Beef Barley Soup is a perfect blend of tender beef, savory vegetables, and hearty barley, making it a satisfying and comforting meal that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for the family or looking for a dish that can feed a crowd, this recipe has it all. It’s an easy-to-make, filling, and flavorful soup that can be served on its own or with your favorite sides, such as saltine crackers or chunks of sharp cheese.
This soup is not only rich in flavor but also incredibly versatile, as it can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to get your daily dose of vegetables without even realizing it!
Beef Barley Soup Recipe
This hearty soup is made using simple ingredients that combine to create a rich and flavorful dish. It’s a great choice for chilly evenings and is sure to satisfy your hunger.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2-3 lbs chuck roast (trimmed of fat)
- 2 carrots, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 stalks celery, sliced thin
- 1 medium onion, chopped finely
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- 2/3 cup medium barley
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) corn, drained
Preparation:
- Sear the Beef:
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chuck roast and sear it on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate. - Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften. - Add the Seasonings:
Add the garlic, parsley, oregano, and thyme to the pot and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. - Simmer the Soup:
Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and the seared beef back into the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded together. - Add Barley and Corn:
Once the beef is tender, add the barley and corn to the pot. Stir to combine, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes. This will allow the barley to cook and absorb the flavors of the soup. - Final Simmer:
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue simmering for another 15 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and the barley to become fully tender. - Shred the Beef:
Remove the beef from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Trim away any gristle or fat, then cut or shred the beef into bite-sized chunks. Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir everything together. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is combined and the soup is heated through, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Ladle the Beef Barley Soup into bowls and serve hot. For extra flavor, serve with saltine crackers or chunks of sharp cheese on the side.
Why You’ll Love Beef Barley Soup
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and chewy barley makes this soup incredibly satisfying and filling. It’s the perfect meal for a family dinner or a gathering.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s a great option for meal prep, and it can be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for later use.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and an easy cooking method, this recipe comes together quickly and requires minimal effort.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to fit your preferences. Add more vegetables, like peas or green beans, or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Tips for Making Perfect Beef Barley Soup
- Use a Chuck Roast: For the best results, use a chuck roast, which becomes incredibly tender when simmered slowly in the soup. It adds great flavor and texture.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to your soup. Potatoes, parsnips, or green beans can be a great addition to the mix.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or let the soup simmer a bit longer to allow it to thicken naturally.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Beef Barley Soup is a timeless and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its hearty, flavorful broth, tender beef, and nutritious vegetables, this soup is a filling meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or preparing it for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try it today, and enjoy the satisfying, savory flavors of homemade Beef Barley Soup!