Description
This hearty Beef Barley Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for chilly days. Tender beef stew meat simmers with pearl barley, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a rich beef broth, creating a flavorful and satisfying soup that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup pearl barley
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for 3–4 minutes while stirring occasionally to soften them slightly.
- Add Beef and Liquids: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water. Stir in the pearl barley, tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 45–60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving warm.
Notes
- Substitute quick-cooking barley to reduce simmering time.
- Use a combination of beef broth and vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
