Description
Rich, comforting Beef Barley Soup brings warmth to cold winter days with its robust blend of tender meat, earthy grains, and aromatic vegetables. Nourishing ingredients meld together, creating a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave from first spoonful to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Grains, Liquids, and Seasonings:
- 3/4 cup pearl barley
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
- Brown beef chunks thoroughly, rotating to ensure even caramelization, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
- Use the same pot to sauté aromatic vegetables: onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms until they become translucent and tender, releasing their rich flavors.
- Incorporate pearl barley into the vegetable mixture, then pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and classic herb seasonings like thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Reintroduce browned beef chunks into the liquid base, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Bring the soup to a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, covering the pot to create a gentle simmer.
- Allow soup to cook undisturbed for 45-50 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Verify beef’s tenderness and barley’s soft texture by testing a small sample.
- Discard bay leaf and taste the soup, adjusting seasonings as needed for optimal flavor balance.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and serve piping hot, offering a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- Boost flavor by browning beef thoroughly, creating a rich caramelized exterior that adds depth to the soup’s taste profile.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace pearl barley with quinoa or rice, maintaining the soup’s hearty texture and nutritional value.
- Enhance meal prep efficiency by chopping vegetables in advance and storing them in the refrigerator, reducing total cooking time.
- Cut cooking time by using a pressure cooker, which tenderizes beef and cooks barley faster while preserving nutrients and intense flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg