How to Make a Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
There’s something magical about a warm bowl of soup. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for cold days—or really, any day! One classic soup that’s loved by many is beef and barley soup. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. In this blog, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to create this delicious dish. We’ll use simple, easy-to-follow directions, so anyone can master this recipe. Let’s get started!
Why Beef and Barley Soup is Great
Beef and barley soup is a complete meal in a bowl. It has tender chunks of beef, wholesome barley, and tons of vegetables simmered together in a savory broth. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also healthy and budget-friendly. Barley adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture, while the beef provides protein to keep you full longer. Vegetables add color, vitamins, and extra flavor. If you want a hearty, satisfying soup, this recipe is for you.
What You’ll Need
Before we begin, gather the following ingredients. These are simple items you can find at your local grocery store:
Ingredients:
– 1 pound (about 500 grams) of beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized cubes)
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or any cooking oil)
– 1 medium onion (chopped)
– 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
– 3 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
– 2 ribs of celery (sliced)
– 1 cup of pearl barley (rinsed)
– 6 cups of beef broth (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup of water
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Optional: Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these simple steps to make your beef and barley soup:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before anything else, get all your ingredients ready. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery, mince the garlic, and trim any extra fat from the beef. Rinse the pearl barley under cold running water to remove excess starch.
2. Brown the Beef
Take a large pot or Dutch oven and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the pot is hot, add the beef cubes in a single layer. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over them. Let the meat cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side until it develops a nice brown color, then flip and brown the other side. This step adds flavor to your soup!
Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Don’t worry if there’s some browned bits left in the bottom of the pot—that’s where a ton of flavor lives!
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add a little more olive oil (if needed) and throw in the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook these veggies for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. This step helps enhance their flavor.
4. Add the Beef Back and Start the Broth
Return the browned beef to the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the beef broth and water. Stir to combine everything, scraping up the browned bits at the bottom of the pot (this is called deglazing—it adds incredible depth to the soup!).
5. Add Seasonings and Barley
Now it’s time to season the soup. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and another pinch of salt (don’t overdo it—you can adjust at the end). Then, stir in the rinsed barley. Barley will cook and expand as the soup simmers, soaking up all those yummy flavors.
6. Simmer Low and Slow
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. The beef will become tender, the barley will cook through, and the soup will thicken up beautifully.
7. Taste and Adjust
Once the soup is done simmering, remove the bay leaf and taste the broth. Add more salt or pepper if needed. If you like a thinner soup, you can add a little extra water or beef broth. If you prefer it thicker, let it continue simmering uncovered for a few more minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve
When your soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, if you have some. Serve it hot with a slice of crusty bread or crackers on the side. Enjoy the warm, hearty goodness!
Tips for Success
- Use good quality beef broth: The broth is the base of your soup, so make sure it’s flavorful. Homemade or store-bought beef broth will work fine.
- Don’t rush the simmering: The longer the soup cooks, the better the flavors blend. Be patient!
- Make it your own: You can add extra vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans. You can even use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
Beef and barley soup is the perfect meal for family dinners or make-ahead lunches. It’s wholesome, filling, and loaded with delicious flavors. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Now that you know how to make it, why not give it a try? Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
Let us know how your soup turns out. Do you have any favorite additions or tips for this recipe? Share in the comments below! Happy cooking!
