Classic Beef Barley Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful, and Nutritious Meal

Classic Beef Barley Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful, and Nutritious Meal

Introduction

When you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and full of flavor, Beef Barley Soup is the perfect dish. With tender beef, earthy barley, and a variety of fresh vegetables, this soup is the ultimate comfort food for any day. It’s rich in nutrients, easy to make, and is perfect for filling you up on a chilly evening. Let’s get started on making this wholesome and hearty soup!


Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 1 lb beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into cubes)
  • 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

  1. Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
  2. Deglaze the Pot: After removing the beef, deglaze the pot with a small amount of beef broth, scraping the bottom to release any flavorful browned bits.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  2. Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

  1. Add Beef and Broth: Add the browned beef back to the pot along with the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
  2. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 1 hour until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined. Stir occasionally.
  4. Add Barley: Once the beef is tender, add the rinsed barley to the soup. Continue simmering for 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed the flavors.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serve

  1. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or thyme as needed.
  2. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
  3. Enjoy: Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread for a perfect, warming meal.

Tips for Success

  • Tender Beef: For a melt-in-your-mouth experience, use a tougher cut of beef like chuck roast, which becomes more tender as it cooks.
  • Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, potatoes, or green beans to make the soup even more nutritious.
  • For a Thicker Soup: If you like a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture.
  • Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so it’s perfect for meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Nutritious and Filling: Packed with lean beef, vegetables, and whole barley, this soup is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
  • Quick to Make: This easy-to-make soup only takes around 1.5 hours, making it a great option for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
  • Comforting and Hearty: It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold day and keep you full for hours.

Conclusion

This Classic Beef Barley Soup is a filling and comforting meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With tender beef, hearty barley, and a rich, savory broth, this soup is a true comfort food classic. Whether you’re preparing it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of warmth and nutrition!

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