Beef Barley Soup
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Beef Barley Soup to warm you up from the inside out. This rich and hearty homestyle soup, made with tender chunks of beef roast, nutritious whole grain barley, and fresh veggies, is a soul-warming delight on chilly days. It’s a perfect blend of robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, creating a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Why Beef Barley Soup is a Cold Weather Favorite
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of tender beef, hearty barley, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth makes for a deeply satisfying soup.
- Easy to Prepare: Whether you’re making it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot, this soup is straightforward and fuss-free.
- Versatile: This recipe is adaptable – you can add your favorite veggies or try different cuts of beef to suit your taste.
Key Ingredients for a Perfect Beef Barley Soup
- Chuck Roast: A fatty beef cut that becomes exceptionally tender when slow-cooked.
- Barley: Adds a chewy texture and wholesomeness to the soup.
- Aromatic Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion create a flavorful base.
- Tomato Paste: Enhances the richness of the broth.
Simple Steps to a Delicious Soup
- Brown the Beef: Start by searing the beef to add a rich layer of flavor.
- Simmer the Aromatics: Sauté the vegetables with tomato paste to build a flavor foundation.
- Cook Slowly: Let the soup simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
- Finish with Barley: Add the barley in the second half of cooking to achieve the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this soup with fresh bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- A winter fruit salad can be a refreshing accompaniment, adding a sweet contrast to the savory soup.
Variations and Storage
- Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add mushrooms, green beans, potatoes, or other favorite veggies.
- Store and Freeze: This soup can be stored in the fridge or frozen for later enjoyment. Just remember to leave room for expansion when freezing.
Beef Barley Soup
"Savor the richness of homestyle Beef Barley Soup! Tender beef, whole grain barley, fresh veggies, and seasoned broth create a hearty and soul-warming dish for chilly days."
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Chopped Carrots about 3
- 1 cup Chopped Celery about 2 ribs
- 2 lbs Chuck Roast trimmed of excess chunks of fat, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 3 Tbsp Minced Fresh Parsley
- 3 Tbsp Minced Fresh Rosemary or 1/2 tsp dried
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 32 oz Cartons Low-Sodium Chicken Broth or Beef Broth
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tsp Minced Fresh Thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
- 1 Tbsp Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic 4 cloves
- 1 Cup Chopped Yellow Onion 1 large
- 1 Cup Pearl Barley
- 3 Tbsp Tomato Paste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Pat the beef dry and add about half or one-third of it to the pot, ensuring not to overcrowd. Season with salt and pepper, allowing it to sear until golden brown on the bottom, approximately 3 minutes. Flip the beef and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Transfer the seared beef along with its juices to a plate, and repeat the process with the remaining beef, adding another tablespoon of oil to the pot.
- In the now-empty pot, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté carrots, celery, and onion for 3 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and garlic, and sauté for an additional 1 minute.
- Pour in broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the beef to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the beef is fairly tender, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Add barley, cover, and simmer until cooked through and the beef is tender, about 45 to 60 minutes longer.
- Stir in parsley and serve the dish warm.
Notes
To prepare Beef Barley Soup in the Slow Cooker, follow these simple steps:
1. Heat a pot with olive oil and sear the beef until browned.
2. Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker, adding all the remaining ingredients except for the parsley.
3. Cook the ingredients on low for 7 to 8 hours in the slow cooker.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, stir in the parsley to enhance the flavor of the soup. Enjoy your delicious and hearty Beef Barley Soup prepared effortlessly in the slow cooker!
2. Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker, adding all the remaining ingredients except for the parsley.
3. Cook the ingredients on low for 7 to 8 hours in the slow cooker.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, stir in the parsley to enhance the flavor of the soup. Enjoy your delicious and hearty Beef Barley Soup prepared effortlessly in the slow cooker!
