This Beef and Barley Soup is rich, comforting, and packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and flavorful vegetables. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for chilly days!
🛒 Ingredients:
(Serves 6-8)
For the Beef & Base:
- 1 ½ lbs beef stew meat (chuck or sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled & sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional, for extra depth)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
For the Barley & Final Touches:
- ¾ cup pearl barley (or quick-cooking barley)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds a rich, savory flavor)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky taste)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
🔥 Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Add the Broth & Simmer
- Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and add the bay leaf.
- Return the seared beef to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the Barley
- Stir in barley and let cook for 30-40 minutes (or 10-15 minutes for quick-cooking barley), until tender.
5. Final Adjustments & Serve
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt & pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.
💡 Tips & Variations:
✅ Want it thicker? Let it simmer longer or mash some of the vegetables.
✅ Gluten-free option: Replace barley with brown rice or quinoa.
✅ Slow Cooker Version: Brown the beef, then add all ingredients (except barley) to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Add barley in the last hour of cooking.
This Beef and Barley Soup is rich, hearty, and full of deep flavors—perfect for a cozy meal! 🍽️😊
