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Beef Barley Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.2 from 28 reviews

This hearty Beef Barley Soup combines tender browned beef stew meat with nutritious pearl barley and a medley of sautéed vegetables simmered in a savory beef broth. Infused with bay leaves and thyme, it offers a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for cozy dinners. Served best with crusty bread, this soup balances rich flavors and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Canned Goods

  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Grains & Herbs

  • 1/2 cup pearl barley
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

Seasonings & Oil

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add cubed beef stew meat and brown on all sides until a rich crust forms. This step enhances the beef’s flavor. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside on a plate.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, chopped carrots, and sliced celery. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aromas. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, then add the pearl barley and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Add Herbs and Seasonings: Toss in the bay leaves and dried thyme. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preference.
  6. Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to low-medium and cover the pot partially. Let the soup simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through and chewy but tender. Stir occasionally, checking to ensure it doesn’t stick, adding extra broth or water if necessary.
  7. Serve: Remove bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot, accompanied by crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for a fulfilling meal.

Notes

  • For a thicker soup, cook uncovered for the last 20 minutes to reduce liquid slightly.
  • Substitute pearl barley with other grains like farro or brown rice if preferred, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Fresh thyme can replace dried thyme; use approximately 1 tablespoon fresh.
  • The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • To make it extra hearty, add diced potatoes or mushrooms with the vegetables.

Keywords: Beef Barley Soup, Hearty Soup, Comfort Food, Beef Stew, Pearl Barley Soup

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/beef-barley-soup-recipe/