Beef Barley Soup

Beef Barley Soup

Introduction

Beef Barley Soup is a warm, hearty dish that will comfort you on chilly days. Filled with tender beef, flavorful veggies, and nutritious barley, this soup is a favorite at our family dinner table. It’s simple to make and tastes great!

Why Make This Recipe

You should try this Beef Barley Soup because it’s nutritious and delicious! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It warms you up and fills you with good ingredients, making it a wholesome meal for everyone. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, which is always a bonus!

How to Make Beef Barley Soup

Making Beef Barley Soup is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup pearl barley
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Sear the meat for 3–4 minutes on each side until it’s browned. Remove and set it aside.
3. In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Return the seared beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, pearl barley, dried thyme, and the bay leaf.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 45–50 minutes, or until the barley and beef are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

How to Serve Beef Barley Soup

Serve Beef Barley Soup hot in a bowl. It pairs perfectly with some crusty bread or a simple side salad. Everyone at the table will love it!

How to Store Beef Barley Soup

You can store any leftover soups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before putting it in the freezer.

Tips to Make Beef Barley Soup

• Make sure to season the beef well to enhance the flavor.
• Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if you prefer a lighter soup.
• For extra flavor, try adding some herbs like rosemary or parsley at the end.

Variation

If you’d like to make it even heartier, feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or peas. You can also use chicken instead of beef for a different taste!

FAQs

Q: Can I use different meat?
A: Yes, you can use chicken or turkey if you prefer.

Q: Is there a vegetarian version?
A: Absolutely! Replace the beef with mushrooms and the beef broth with vegetable broth.

Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: You can add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give it a kick!

Try this Beef Barley Soup today and enjoy a bowl of comfort!