If you’re looking for a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal, this Beef Barley Soup is the perfect comfort food!
With tender beef, wholesome barley, and rich, savory broth, this easy-to-make soup is both nutritious and filling. It requires only 8 simple ingredients, less than 50 minutes of active cooking time, and minimal cleanup, making it a great weeknight dinner option!
This restaurant-quality soup is packed with flavorful beef, perfectly cooked barley, and a rich depth of taste that makes every spoonful delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding the whole family, this Beef Barley Soup is a must-try!
All of my favorite soups are fully loaded with goodies including veggies and grains, this Beef Barley Soup definitely fits the bill! I cook it almost every single week during the winter months, though, my family and I never get bored eating it.
It still my family’s absolute favorite soup until now that’s why I decided to share it with you. It is rich, flavorful, and healthy, and I bet you’ll be making it often once you give it a try. Seriously, it is just incredibly delicious!
- More Recipes:
- How To Make New Orleans Beignets
- The Most Creamy Lemon Tart
- The Best Custard Filling Cream Puffs
HOW TO MAKE THIS BEEF BARLEY THICK?
Whisk a few tablespoons of starch into a little of the broth in a separate bowl and then whisk it into the pot. This prevents the starch from clumping and helps it dissolve into the soup evenly. This is a rich and hearty barley soup that leaves you completely satisfied and warms every inch of your body, so don’t get lazy to make everything it needs to a perfect soup that everyone craving for.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES THIS SOUP NEEDS TO BE MADE?
While ingredients list looks a little bit longer, this beef and barley soup need only less that one 1hour as total time. And I should note that time always depends on the serving. so if you used the same exact ingredients on the recipe which covers 6 serving, the total time should 1 hour. 15min to prepare the whole ingredients and 30min is the cooking time with 5min lass or plus depending on different factors.
DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START?
The simplest way to start is by cooking garlic and onion until softened. That’s where I always start and I think it’s the perfect one way to make this beef barley soup.
Then simply add all the ingredients to the pot and simmer until tender. And make sure to use homemade stock is you have some for the best flavor possible.
WHAT IS THE BEST BEEF FOR THIS SOUP?
You can use any kind of leftover beef for this beef barley soup including pot roast, leftover steak or roast beef. And if you don’t have cooked beef, you can simply cook it using either flank steak or cubed chuck.
And of course, you can substitute cooked hamburger in this barley soup recipe. You’ll also want to brown the beef with the onions and drain any fat if making a ground beef barley soup.
- YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE AS WELL:
- EASY CREAMY BEEF AND SHELLS
- EASY HEARTY INSTANT POT LASAGNA SOUP
- EASY, HEARTY BEEF AND GNOCCHI SOUP
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless chuck roast, cut into small cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, peeled and diced
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup pearl barley (or hulled barley)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 8 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
1 ) Heat up a large pot on high heat. Add the olive oil and beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the liquids evaporate and the beef starts to brown.
2 )Reduce heat to medium and add onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper and mix everything well. Add the barley and beef (or chicken) broth.
3 )Reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook until the beef is very tender, for about 1 1/2 hours. Note: add extra broth if you’d like to thin out the soup a bit more.
Nutrition
Calories: 414kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 687mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 6890IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 4mg
- Some Recommended Products:
- 48-inch Gas Range 6 Burners Cooktop 6.7 cu.ft Oven
- Professional Series Built-In All Refrigerator
- Mini Refrigerator, 2-Door 3.4 cu. ft. Small Compact Under Counter
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Barley Soup
- Use Chuck Roast for Extra Flavor – It becomes fall-apart tender in the soup.
- Toast the Barley First – This brings out a nutty, deeper flavor in the grains.
- Let It Simmer for Maximum Taste – The longer it cooks, the more flavorful the broth becomes.
- Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition – Carrots, celery, and mushrooms pair perfectly with this soup.
- Store for Later – It Tastes Even Better the Next Day! – The flavors meld together beautifully overnight.
(FAQ) About Beef Barley Soup
1. What cut of beef works best for this soup?
- Chuck roast, stew meat, or sirloin tips work best for tender, flavorful beef.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Yes! Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, adding barley in the last hour.
3. How do I make this soup gluten-free?
- Swap barley for quinoa or brown rice for a gluten-free alternative.
4. Can I use quick-cooking barley?
- Yes, but add it toward the end of cooking to prevent it from getting too soft.
5. Can I freeze Beef Barley Soup?
- Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
6. What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
- Let it simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.
7. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
- Yes! Substitute beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth.
8. How long does Beef Barley Soup last in the fridge?
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
9. What seasonings work best in this soup?
- Garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce enhance the flavor.
10. Can I add potatoes to this soup?
- Yes! Diced potatoes make it even heartier.
- YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE AS WELL:
- EASY AND DELICIOUS BROWN SUGAR-BAKED CARROTS
- THE BEST CORNBREAD FROM SCRATCH!
- EASY Whack GREEN BEANS RECIPE