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BEEF BARLEY SOUP

Sana Umer
Beef Barley Soup is a savory, filling dish packed with tender beef, vegetables, and hearty barley. It's a perfect one-pot meal that’s comforting and nourishing, ideal for warming up on chilly days.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb beef stew meat or chuck roast cubed
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 large carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 cup pearl barley rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Brown the Beef:

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 6–8 minutes). Remove beef from the pot and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

  • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Add the Barley and Seasoning:

  • Stir in the rinsed pearl barley, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

Add Broth and Beef:

  • Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth and diced tomatoes (if using). Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Final Adjustments:

  • After the soup has simmered, remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth to reach your desired consistency.

Serve:

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal!

Notes

Make Ahead:
This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Customizing the Flavor:
Add other vegetables like parsnips, potatoes, or peas for a heartier soup. You can also adjust the seasonings to your preference.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with fresh bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Keyword barley soup, beef barley soup, bone-in beef soup, comfort food soup, easy one-pot meal, hearty soup