The Best Homemade Beef Barley Soup Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade beef barley soup is a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a hearty pick-me-up. It’s packed with tender beef, chewy barley, and fresh veggies, making it a satisfying dish the whole family will adore. You’ll love how simple it is to make, with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep. The rich, savory broth fills your home with an irresistible aroma as it simmers. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy it later or share it with friends for an easy homemade gift.

Recipe

Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade beef barley soup on a chilly day. This hearty and comforting dish combines tender beef, wholesome barley, and fresh vegetables in a rich 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, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and brown on all sides. 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. Return beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth and add barley, bay leaf, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add frozen peas and cook for another 10 minutes until peas are tender and barley is fully cooked.
6. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Notes:

• For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Time:

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

Cuisine: American

Serving: 6 servings

Nutrition

This hearty Beef Barley Soup is packed with wholesome ingredients and essential nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	280 kcal
Total Fat	8 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Cholesterol	45 mg
Sodium	600 mg
Total Carbohydrate	30 g
Dietary Fiber	5 g
Sugars	4 g
Protein	20 g
Vitamin A	15% DV
Vitamin C	10% DV
Calcium	4% DV
Iron	15% DV

What To Serve With It

I like serving my homemade beef barley soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping, and it’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of broth. A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a nice contrast to the soup’s richness, making the meal feel balanced. These simple sides always make the soup feel like a comforting, complete dinner!

Crusty Bread Pairings

When pairing beef barley soup with crusty bread, I can’t help but feel it’s a match made in comfort food heaven. There’s something magical about tearing into warm sourdough rolls, their tangy chewiness soaking up the rich broth. Artisan loaves, with their crackly crusts and soft centers, add a rustic touch that elevates every spoonful. I love how the bread balances the soup’s heartiness, turning a simple meal into something special. Whether you’re dunking or savoring each bite separately, the combo never disappoints. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed soup without it.

Fresh Salad Options

Even though beef barley soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, adding a fresh salad can brighten up the meal and balance its richness. I love tossing seasonal greens like arugula or spinach with a simple olive dressing—it’s light but flavorful. A squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar works wonders, too. Sometimes, I’ll throw in cherry tomatoes or cucumber for crunch. The contrast between the warm, savory soup and the crisp salad makes every bite more satisfying. Trust me, it’s a combo you’ll want to repeat, especially on chilly nights when you crave something cozy yet fresh.