Easy Beef Barley Soup Recipe
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Easy Beef Barley Soup
As the days get shorter and the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting soup to warm you from the inside out. Today, we’re sharing our recipe for Easy Beef Barley Soup – a classic that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple to make. This isn’t your grandmother’s complicated, all-day affair; we’ve streamlined the process without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.
This soup is packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a rich and savory broth. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a great make-ahead meal for busy schedules. The best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comfort Food Classic: This soup embodies the essence of comfort food – warm, hearty, and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: Despite its rich flavor, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques.
- Nutritious & Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup is a complete and balanced meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Tips for the Best Beef Barley Soup:
- Browning the Beef: Don’t skip browning the beef! This step adds a ton of flavor to the soup. Make sure to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Using Quality Broth: A good quality beef broth is essential for a flavorful soup. If you have homemade broth, even better!
- Adjusting the Seasoning: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
- Barley Variety: Pearl barley is used in this recipe for its quick cooking time. You can use other types of barley, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: While beef is traditional, you could substitute lamb or even chicken, though the flavor profile will change.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add potatoes, parsnips, or other root vegetables to the soup.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well!
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Barley contains gluten. To make this soup gluten-free, substitute barley with a gluten-free grain like quinoa or brown rice.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful Easy Beef Barley Soup! It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again whenever you’re craving a warm and satisfying meal.
Easy Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 medium carrots chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf bay leaf
- 1/2 cup pearl barley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef stew meat on all sides. Remove beef from pot and set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add barley to the pot and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until barley is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.
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