Hearty Beef & Barley Soup
Cozy Up with Hearty Beef & Barley Soup – The Ultimate Comfort Food
As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to nourish the soul. And when it comes to comfort food, our Hearty Beef & Barley Soup truly hits the spot! This isn’t just any soup; it’s a flavorful, filling, and satisfying meal packed with tender beef, hearty barley, and a medley of delicious vegetables.
This recipe is a family favorite for a reason. It’s relatively easy to make, perfect for a weekend dinner, and even better the next day! The combination of beef broth, savory vegetables like carrots, celery, and parsnips, and the subtle sweetness of potatoes creates a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, the barley adds a wonderful chewy texture that makes this soup extra satisfying.
What makes this Beef & Barley Soup special?
- Flavorful Broth: We build a rich and flavorful broth that forms the base of this amazing soup.
- Tender Beef: Slow simmering ensures the beef is incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Hearty & Filling: The barley and vegetables make this soup a complete and satisfying meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Tips for the Best Beef & Barley Soup:
- Browning the Beef: Don’t skip browning the beef! This step adds a lot of flavor to the soup.
- Simmer Time: Allow the soup to simmer for at least 45-60 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
- Thickening (Optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, the optional cornstarch slurry works wonders!
- Fresh Herbs: While the recipe calls for dried thyme, feel free to add a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a different type of beef?
A: Yes, you can! Chuck roast or stew meat are both excellent choices.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Q: What if I don’t have parsnips?
A: You can substitute with another carrot or a small turnip.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Barley contains gluten. To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the barley with quinoa or brown rice.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and delicious Hearty Beef & Barley Soup as much as we do! It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day and bring your family together.
Hearty Beef & Barley Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs stewing beef
- to taste salt & pepper
- 8 cups beef broth
- 3 large carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 parsnips
- 2-3 medium potatoes
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 cup corn
- 1/2 cup pearl barley
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp bay leaf
- 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 1/4 cup cold water optional, for thickening
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add beef broth, carrots, celery, parsnips, potatoes, onion, barley, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- If desired, thicken the soup by mixing cornstarch with cold water and stirring into the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Share this:
Discover more from Resoupies
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
