The Best Homemade Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This hearty beef and barley soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days, packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. You’ll love how easy it is to make, with simple steps that deliver a restaurant-quality meal at home.

• Filling and nutritious: Tender beef, chewy barley, and fresh veggies make this soup a complete meal in one bowl.
• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you might already have in your pantry or fridge.
• Meal prep superstar: Tastes even better the next day, so it’s great for leftovers or freezing.

Recipe

Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade beef and barley soup on a chilly day. This hearty and comforting dish combines tender beef, chewy barley, and fresh vegetables in a rich, savory broth. It’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, then remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in tomato paste, then return the beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth and add barley, bay leaf, and thyme.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until beef and barley are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes:

• For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Time:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 1 hour

Cuisine: American

Serving: 6

Nutrition

This hearty beef and barley soup is packed with nutrients and flavor. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:

What To Serve With It

I love serving this beef and barley soup with a crusty loaf of bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of broth. A fresh, crisp salad on the side adds a nice balance to the hearty soup, making the meal feel complete. Trust me, these pairings elevate the whole experience without stealing the spotlight.

Crusty Bread Pairings

When it comes to serving up a hearty bowl of beef and barley soup, crusty bread’s a must-have companion. I love tearing into a warm baguette or sourdough loaf, its golden crust crackling as I dip it into the rich, savory broth. Garlic bread’s another favorite—just toast a slice, rub it with a garlic clove, and drizzle it with olive oil. Sometimes, I’ll even spread a bit of butter or a dollop of herb-infused cream cheese on the bread for an extra layer of flavor. It’s all about that perfect bite of soup and bread together.

Fresh Salad Options

Sometimes a fresh salad’s the perfect way to balance out a rich, hearty bowl of beef and barley soup. I love tossing together a simple green salad with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette—it’s invigorating and light. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add avocado slices or toasted nuts for extra crunch. Another favorite’s a cucumber-dill salad with Greek yogurt dressing—it’s cool and creamy, pairing beautifully with the soup’s warmth. Grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers also work wonders. Whatever salad I choose, it always adds brightness to the meal, making every bite feel just right.

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younes

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