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Bowl of hearty beef and barley soup with fresh vegetables and herbs
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Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

A comforting dish that combines tender beef, chewy barley, and vibrant vegetables, simmered to perfection for a warm and hearty meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Barley Soup, Beef Soup, comfort food, Hearty Soup, Winter Recipes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 320kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs beef stew meat Juicy, tender cuts that will melt in your mouth.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Smooth and fragrant, perfect for browning the beef.
  • 1 onion, diced Aromatic and sweet, adding depth to the soup.
  • 3 carrots, chopped Crisp and colorful, bringing a touch of sweetness.
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped Crunchy and fresh, providing a delightful contrast.
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced Bold and pungent, enhancing the overall flavor.
  • 6 cups beef broth Rich and savory liquid base, making the soup hearty.
  • 1 cup pearl barley Chewy and nutty, this grain adds a wonderful texture.
  • 1 bay leaf An aromatic touch that infuses the soup with flavor.
  • 1 tsp dried thyme Earthy and herbal, elevating the taste profile.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors.
  • Fresh parsley for garnish Bright and fresh, for a burst of color and flavor.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
  • After browning, remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add the pearl barley, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.

Cooking

  • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • After simmering, remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Choose the right cut of beef for more flavor. This soup is excellent for freezing; make a large batch to enjoy later. Feel free to include other vegetables or make it spicy with red pepper flakes.