Hearty Beef Barley Soup
Cozy Up With a Bowl of Hearty Beef Barley Soup
As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup. And when it comes to comfort food, our Hearty Beef Barley Soup is a true champion! This isn’t just any beef barley soup; it’s packed with tender chuck roast, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that will warm you from the inside out. It’s the perfect dinner for a chilly evening, and it makes fantastic leftovers too!
We’ve taken the classic beef barley soup and elevated it with a few simple touches. Using a good quality chuck roast is key – it becomes incredibly tender during the long simmer, falling apart beautifully in each bite. The addition of fire-roasted tomatoes adds a subtle smokiness that complements the beef and vegetables perfectly. And don’t skimp on the fresh herbs – rosemary and thyme are essential for that authentic, home-cooked flavor.
This soup is also surprisingly easy to make. While it does require a bit of simmering time, the hands-on prep work is minimal. It’s a great recipe to make on a weekend when you have a little extra time to enjoy the process.
What makes this soup special?
- Tender Beef: Slow-simmered chuck roast that melts in your mouth.
- Flavorful Broth: A rich and savory broth made with beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with vegetables and barley for a satisfying meal.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Tips for the Best Beef Barley Soup:
- Brown the Beef: Don’t skip browning the chuck roast! This step adds a ton of flavor.
- Low Sodium Broth: Using low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness of the soup.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme make a big difference in flavor.
- Adjust Barley: If you prefer a thicker soup, use 1 ½ cups of pearl barley.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: While chuck roast is recommended for its tenderness, you can also use stew meat. Just be sure to adjust the simmering time accordingly.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the barley during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: What wine pairs well with beef barley soup?
A: A dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, would be a great pairing.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful Hearty Beef Barley Soup as much as we do! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Hearty Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chuck Roast Boneless
- 3-4 medium Carrots Chopped in bite size pieces
- 1 medium Onion Chopped
- 3 stalks Celery Optional
- 2 8oz packages Mushrooms Sliced in half
- 3-4 cloves Garlic Chopped
- 2 tsp Rosemary Chopped
- 2 tsp Thyme Chopped
- Splash Red Wine
- 2 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 4.5 oz can Tomato Paste
- 1 14.5 oz can Fire Roasted Tomatoes
- 6-8 cups Beef Broth Recommend low sodium if possible
- 1-1 ½ cup Pearl Barley
- ½ cup Parsley Chopped (¼ for soup ¼ for garnish)
- Olive Oil For sauteing
- Salt to taste Salt
- Pepper to taste Pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the chuck roast in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add carrots, onion, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened.
- Add mushrooms and garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth, add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add pearl barley and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until barley is tender.
- Stir in ¼ cup chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with remaining parsley.
Discover more from Resoupies
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.