Easy Beef Barley Soup
When the leaves outside start cascading down like a waterfall of gold and crimson, there’s something to be said for curling up with a bowl of warmth. Enter my Easy Beef Barley Soup. It’s not just a soup; it’s my heart in a bowl. Loaded with tender beef, hearty barley, and a medley of veggies, it’s a hug from your kitchen when you need one most. You’ll feel like a superhero when you whip this up. Trust me, your soul will thank you.
Now, let me tell you about the first time I made this. My husband usually turns his nose up at soups—he’s more of a meat and potatoes kind of guy. But then this beauty hit the table, and suddenly he was all “Is there more?” And our little one? She slurped it up and made a delightful mess. This soup has become the go-to Sunday staple in our house, especially when the in-laws visit because it’s impressive without being pretentious.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef Barley Soup
– It’s the embodiment of comfort—it’s basically a warm blanket in a bowl.
– Only requires one pot because doing dishes is the worst.
– It’s packed with flavors that feel like a symphony in your mouth.
– Perfect for leftovers, if there are any left (spoiler: there won’t be).
This beef barley soup was just what I needed on a chilly evening—hearty, flavorful, and so easy to throw together. I followed the recipe almost exactly and was impressed by how tender the beef turned out. Will definitely be making this again!
How to Make It
Imagine your kitchen smelling like a cozy winter cabin. Start with a big ol’ pot and toss in some beef chunks—get them nice and brown. While that’s happening, sneak a sip of your tea (or wine, I’m not judging). Add your veggies; they’ll get their time to shine next. The barley comes in to soak up all those flavors like it’s on a spa day. Just let it simmer. You can pretend you’re on a fancy cooking show while stirring!
Ingredient Notes
– Beef Chuck: I love its melt-in-your-mouth quality after simmering. Don’t rush it; let it do its thing.
– Barley: Adds the heartiness. Once, I tried quinoa—my husband was less than thrilled.
– Carrots: I aim for a rustic chop because life’s too short for perfect dice.
Recipe Steps
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown beef, then remove.
2. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
3. Stir in garlic. Do not burn, or you’ll have vampire-repellent soup.
4. Return beef to pot. Add broth, water, tomatoes, herbs.
5. Stir in barley. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
6. Cook for an hour or until beef is tender. Season to taste.
What to Serve It With
Crusty bread is a must for sopping up every last drop. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up a quick side salad—just for the crunch factor.
Tips & Mistakes
Keep an eye on the salt. Barley can vary; add more broth if it gets too thick. It’s soup, not porridge.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Honestly, it gets better with time. Tried eating it cold once—it’s like cold pizza, either you’ll love it or wonder what you’re doing with your life. A quick zap in the microwave, and you’re golden.
Variations and Substitutions
Sometimes, I toss in mushrooms or swap the beef for chicken when I’m feeling adventurous. Don’t skip the carrots, though. Parsnips? Meh. Try if you dare.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Easy Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 cup barley pearled
- 3 cup beef broth
- 2 cup carrots chopped
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in carrots, celery, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 60 minutes.
- Add barley and continue cooking uncovered for another 30 minutes or until barley is tender.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.
Notes
Featured Comments
“Super easy and will make again! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“This hearty recipe was will make again — the cozy really stands out. Thanks!”
“Super easy and absolutely loved! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“This warming recipe was turned out amazing — the cozy really stands out. Thanks!”
“Super easy and absolutely loved! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“New favorite here — so flavorful. cozy was spot on.”
“Super easy and absolutely loved! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“New favorite here — will make again. hearty was spot on.”
“Made this last night and it was turned out amazing. Loved how the cozy came together.”
“Impressed! Clear steps and so flavorful results. Perfect for busy nights.”
