Description
Beef and Barley Soup is a hearty, comforting dish made with tender beef, nutritious barley, and a variety of flavorful vegetables. This nourishing soup is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a perfect meal for cold weather or family dinners. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy weeknight meal or a make-ahead dish, beef and barley soup offers both rich flavor and satisfying nutrition.
Ingredients
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 cup pearl barley
8 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sprinkle the beef with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear it until browned on all sides. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside.
- Using the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Stir in the diced tomatoes, barley, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, ensuring the beef becomes tender and the barley is cooked through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Nutritional Benefits: This soup is high in protein, fiber, and iron, making it a filling and nutritious meal.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, like using vegetarian alternatives or adding extra vegetables for more flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Beef and barley soup can be made in large batches, stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Slow Cooker/Instant Pot Friendly: For convenience, you can use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to make the soup, saving time without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: Experiment with adding herbs, spices, or even tomatoes to create different variations of the soup.
- Freezable: This soup freezes exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prepping or saving leftovers for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Beef and Barley Soup