Hearty Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

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There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day, and my Hearty Beef and Barley Soup is just the thing to hit the spot! Packed with tender chunks of beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables, this soup is a meal in itself. Perfect for dinner or meal prep, it’s rich in flavor and incredibly easy to make.

What Makes This Hearty Beef and Barley Soup So Special?

This soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a robust, filling dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. With savory broth, tender beef, and chewy barley, every spoonful offers a balance of textures and flavors.

• Perfectly Tender Beef: Slow-simmering the beef ensures it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Nutritious Barley: Barley not only thickens the soup but also adds a nutty, chewy texture that’s absolutely satisfying.
• Wholesome Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and tomatoes create a rich and flavorful base for this soup.
• One-Pot Meal: This recipe is simple to make and minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

It’s a recipe that checks all the boxes for comfort food. Ready to dive in? Let’s start with the ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients for Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

To make this comforting soup, you’ll need a mix of hearty ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Beef Chuck Roast: Look for beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into bite-sized chunks. It becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
• Pearl Barley: The star of this soup! Pearl barley adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture while making the soup hearty and filling.
• Vegetables:
  • Carrots: For sweetness and color.
  • Celery: Adds a mild, earthy flavor.
  • Onion: The foundation for a savory soup base.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes work perfectly here to bring a touch of acidity and richness.
• Beef Broth: A good-quality beef broth or stock is essential for a deep, savory flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Enhances the tomato flavor and adds richness to the broth.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced for a flavorful boost.
• Seasonings:
  • Bay leaf, dried thyme, and parsley for an aromatic touch.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste.
• Olive Oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.

This mix of ingredients makes for a well-rounded, hearty soup that’s bursting with flavor. Now, let’s talk about how to put it all together!

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How to Make Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

While this soup is straightforward to prepare, a few key steps ensure maximum flavor and perfect texture.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot in batches.
• Sear the beef until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed.
• Sauté the onion, celery, and carrots until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

• Return the beef to the pot and add the diced tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, and beef broth.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 1 hour, allowing the beef to tenderize and the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add the Barley

• Stir in the pearl barley and cook uncovered for another 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

• Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
• Remove the bay leaf before serving.

This hearty soup is now ready to warm you from the inside out! Want tips for storing leftovers? Let’s cover that next.

How Long to Cook Beef and Barley Soup

Cooking times for this soup depend on how tender you want the beef and how plump you want the barley to be. This is a slow-cooking dish that rewards patience, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the timing:

Cooking Times for Hearty Beef and Barley Soup:

1. Simmering the Beef: After browning, the beef needs about 1 hour of simmering in the broth to become tender and infuse the soup with its rich flavor.
2. Cooking the Barley: Once the barley is added, cook uncovered for an additional 30-40 minutes until the barley is plump and tender.

This results in a total cooking time of about 90-100 minutes, most of which is hands-off as the soup simmers.

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Storing Leftovers

This Hearty Beef and Barley Soup makes for incredible leftovers! It stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.

Refrigerating:

• Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth, as the barley will absorb more liquid while stored.

Freezing:

• To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely. Then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Cooking Tips for Perfect Beef and Barley Soup

1. Don’t Rush the Browning: Take the time to brown the beef well for a deep, caramelized flavor base.
2. Low and Slow Cooking: Simmering gently ensures the beef becomes tender and the flavors develop fully.
3. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for longer. For a thinner soup, add more beef broth as needed.
4. Rest Before Serving: Let the soup rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to settle and the soup to cool slightly, making it even more delicious.

By following these tips, you’ll create a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for any occasion! Ready to print this recipe and keep it handy? Let’s move to the printable page next.

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