The Heartiest Beef Barley Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Warming beef barley soup can transport you to cozy kitchen memories with its hearty ingredients.

Memories of grandma’s cooking drift through the aromatic steam rising from this classic comfort dish.

Tender chunks of meat mingle with nutty barley kernels, creating a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Rich broth bubbles with vegetables that add depth and nutrition to every spoonful.

Robust flavors emerge from slow-simmered ingredients that promise a truly nourishing experience.

Each bite connects you to traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations.

Beef Barley Soup That’s Thick and Hearty

• Simplify Meal Prep: This hearty beef barley soup comes together with minimal chopping and straightforward cooking steps, making weeknight dinner preparation a breeze.
• Maximize Comfort: Perfect for cold evenings, the rich broth and tender beef create a warming, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds and fills your stomach with pure comfort.
• Adaptable Cooking Method: Flexible recipe allows for different meat cuts like stew meat or chuck roast, offering versatility for home cooks with varying ingredient availability.
• Budget-Friendly Nutrition: Using affordable ingredients like barley and affordable beef cuts delivers a protein-packed, nutritious meal without breaking the bank, ideal for families seeking economical dining options.

Beef Barley Soup Ingredient List

• Beef Stew Meat, Chuck Roast: Hearty protein that adds rich flavor and texture to the soup, with chuck roast offering a more tender option when slow-cooked.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that provides aromatic depth and nutritional value, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.
• Corn: Sweet vegetable that adds color and subtle sweetness to the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and moisture, helping to build a robust soup base.

• Barley: Wholesome grain that thickens the soup and provides a satisfying, chewy texture.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated garlic flavor without fresh garlic chunks.
• Dried Thyme: Earthy herb that complements beef and adds subtle aromatic notes.
• Bay Leaf: Optional aromatic herb that infuses deep, complex flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Beef Broth, Water: Creates the liquid base for the soup, with beef broth adding extra depth and richness.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a light, smooth cooking base.

How to Cook Beef Barley Soup

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Toss in beef stew meat and brown thoroughly on all sides, creating a rich golden crust that locks in incredible flavor.

For chuck roast, sear first and plan to shred later for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Step 2: Awaken the Vegetable Base

Transfer browned beef to a plate.

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery

Sauté these vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and release their aromatic goodness.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Diced tomatoes with juices
• Corn kernels
• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Bay leaf

Pour in beef broth and water, stirring everything together to create a harmonious blend.

Step 4: Bring to a Boiling Point

Crank up the heat and bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil, allowing all the flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 5: Introduce the Barley

Sprinkle barley into the bubbling soup, stirring to distribute evenly.

Step 6: Slow Simmer to Perfection

• 45-60 minutes for standard cooking
• 2-3 hours for chuck roast (until meat shreds easily)

The barley will plump up and the soup will thicken beautifully.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove bay leaf.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

For an extra pop of freshness, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Barley Soup Tips for Hearty Beef Spoonfuls

• Opt for chuck roast and shred it after slow cooking to achieve melt-in-your-mouth texture that elevates the soup's richness.
• Adjust beef broth and water ratio to manage soup thickness, adding more liquid if it becomes too dense during simmering.
• Choose pearl barley for faster cooking and a softer texture, ensuring it doesn't become mushy or undercooked during the simmering process.
• Consider adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce during vegetable sautéing to create a more complex, robust flavor profile.
• Swap beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or use gluten-free barley alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.

Store Beef Barley Soup for Later

• Store leftover beef barley soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Transfer frozen or refrigerated soup to a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture if needed. Heat until steaming hot and reaches 165°F.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature to ensure thorough heating.

Beef Barley Soup Best Pairings

• Hearty Wine Companion: Choose a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to match the rich beef flavors, complementing the soup's deep, meaty undertones.
• Rustic Bread Pairing: Serve with crusty sourdough or rustic whole grain bread to soak up the savory broth, adding delightful texture and extra warmth to the meal.
• Bright Side Salad: Create a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness, offering a fresh counterpoint with mixed greens, cucumber, and light lemon dressing.
• Comfort Beverage Option: Pair with a dark craft beer like porter or stout, which echoes the soup's deep, earthy profile and provides a smooth, warming beverage alongside the hearty dish.

Barley Soup with Beef Custom Twists

• Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, perfect for hands-off meal preparation.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms like portobello or lentils for a plant-based version, maintaining similar texture and umami flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute barley with quinoa or rice to create a celiac-friendly alternative that keeps the soup's comforting essence.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium beef broth, reduce salt, and add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to enhance flavor without increasing sodium content.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef stew meat?

Yes, you can substitute with chuck roast or ground beef. Chuck roast offers a more tender texture when slow-cooked, while ground beef provides a different protein option.

• Is barley a nutritious ingredient for this soup?

Absolutely! Barley is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It helps make the soup more filling and provides additional health benefits like improved digestion and blood sugar control.

• How can I make this soup more hearty?

Add extra vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms. You can also increase the amount of beef or barley to create a more substantial meal. Some people like to add a splash of red wine for deeper flavor.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Simply brown the meat first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the barley is tender and beef is cooked through.

Beef Barley Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty beef barley soup delivers a comforting symphony of tender meat, earthy grains, and rich broth. Warm spices and slow-simmered vegetables create a rustic masterpiece perfect for chilly evenings when you crave nourishing, soul-warming comfort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) beef stew meat (or chuck roast for slow simmer)

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946 ml) beef broth
• 2 cups (473 ml) water (or more as needed for desired consistency)
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil (for browning the beef)
• 1 cup (180 g) barley (pearled barley is preferred)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for browning meat.
2. Introduce beef stew meat or chuck roast, carefully searing each side until a rich golden-brown crust develops, enhancing flavor complexity.
3. Extract the browned meat and reserve for later incorporation.
4. Utilize the same pot to sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery, allowing vegetables to soften and release their aromatic essence for 5-7 minutes.
5. Incorporate diced tomatoes with their juices, corn kernels, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf into the vegetable mixture.
6. Pour beef broth and water into the pot, stirring thoroughly to blend all ingredients and create a harmonious base.
7. Escalate heat to trigger a robust boil, preparing the soup for its next transformation.
8. Gently introduce barley into the bubbling liquid, ensuring even distribution throughout the soup.
9. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and allow the soup to develop depth for 45-60 minutes, or until barley becomes tender and the consistency thickens.
10. For chuck roast, consider extending cooking time to 2-3 hours, enabling meat to become exceptionally tender and easily shredded.
11. Evaluate the soup’s flavor profile, adjusting seasonings as necessary to achieve perfect balance.
12. Discard the bay leaf to prevent any bitter undertones.
13. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley to add a vibrant, herbaceous finish before serving.

Notes

• Choose well-marbled chuck roast or stew meat for richer flavor and more tender texture in your soup.
• Take time to brown meat properly, creating delicious caramelized edges that boost overall taste profile.
• Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Watch liquid levels during simmering, adding extra broth if needed to prevent soup from becoming too thick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour (or 2-3 hours for chuck roast)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 65mg