Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty Beef & Barley Soup is a comforting, filling dish packed with tender chunks of beef, nutty barley, and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth. This classic soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need a satisfying, one-bowl meal. Its rich flavor deepens as it simmers, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

stew beef or chuck roast (cut into bite-sized pieces)olive oilyellow oniongarliccarrotscelerytomatoes (diced, canned or fresh)beef brothbarley (pearl or hulled)dried thymebay leavesparsley (fresh or dried)salt and black pepper

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add the beef and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Return the beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, barley, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until beef and barley are tender.

Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 90 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Use mushrooms or potatoes for a vegetarian twist (omit beef and use vegetable broth).

Add a splash of red wine with the broth for extra depth.

Swap barley with farro or brown rice if preferred.

Stir in spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added greens.

Use leftover roast beef for quicker prep.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding water or broth if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the beef and sauté vegetables first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours.

What kind of barley should I use?

Pearl barley is common and cooks faster, while hulled barley is more nutritious but takes longer.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Barley contains gluten, so substitute with rice or quinoa for a gluten-free version.

Why is my barley mushy?

Overcooking or using quick-cooking barley can make it mushy—stick to pearl or hulled barley for best texture.

Can I use ground beef instead?

Yes, brown and drain it before proceeding with the rest of the steps.

Is it okay to add frozen vegetables?

Absolutely, add them during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

Hearty Beef & Barley Soup is a nourishing, soul-warming dish perfect for cozy nights and make-ahead meals. With its robust flavor and wholesome ingredients, it’s a timeless recipe that satisfies every time. Keep a batch ready for easy, comforting meals all week long.