This Best Beef Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. Packed with tender beef, hearty barley, and a mix of vegetables, it’s the perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this soup offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef Barley Soup is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of tender beef, chewy barley, and flavorful vegetables creates a heartwarming and filling dish that’s perfect for cold weather. It’s easy to make, simmering slowly to allow all the flavors to meld together into a rich, savory broth. With just a few simple ingredients, this soup delivers incredible taste and warmth, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or a relaxing meal at home.

Ingredients

1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
1/2 cup pearl barley
4 cups beef broth
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Pour in the beef broth, thyme, and pearl barley. Bring the soup to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 45-50 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the beef is fully cooked.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Vegetable boost: Add extra vegetables like peas, parsnips, or potatoes for more depth and variety.
Herb options: Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for extra flavor during the simmering process.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Slow cooker version: To make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the broth and barley. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a little extra broth or water as the barley absorbs some of the liquid during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this soup?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like chuck roast or round steak, but you’ll want to cut them into small cubes. Just make sure to cook the meat until it’s tender.

2. Can I use quick-cooking barley instead of pearl barley?

Quick-cooking barley will work, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes, as it cooks faster than pearl barley.

3. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze Beef Barley Soup! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

4. How do I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the barley and vegetables with a potato masher, or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a creamier texture.

5. Can I make this soup without beef?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the beef and using vegetable broth instead. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or lentils to make the soup heartier.

6. Can I use a different grain instead of barley?

Yes, you can substitute barley with farro, quinoa, or rice for a different texture and flavor, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.

7. What’s the best way to store the leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan on storing it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months.

8. Can I add beans to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add kidney beans, cannellini beans, or any other beans you like for extra protein and fiber.

9. How do I know when the beef is cooked?

The beef will be tender and fully cooked when it can be easily pierced with a fork. If it’s tough, continue simmering for a little longer.

10. Can I use homemade beef broth for this recipe?

Yes, homemade beef broth will add great flavor to this soup! Just be sure it’s well-seasoned before adding it to the pot.

Conclusion

This Best Beef Barley Soup is the ultimate cozy, hearty meal for cold nights. With tender beef, chewy barley, and flavorful vegetables, it’s a delicious and filling dish that will warm you from the inside out. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep or sharing with the family. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness on chilly evenings or whenever you need a nourishing, satisfying meal!

Best Beef Barley Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

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Print Recipe

Warm up with the Best Beef Barley Soup—the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. Tender beef, hearty barley, and flavorful vegetables come together in a rich broth, creating the perfect cozy meal. Whether you’re craving a satisfying dinner or a relaxing weekend dish, this soup delivers incredible taste and warmth in every spoonful.

Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings

Instructions

In a large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Pour in the beef broth, thyme, and pearl barley. Bring the soup to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 45-50 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the beef is fully cooked.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Vegetable Boost: Add peas, parsnips, or potatoes for more variety.
Herb Options: Try adding rosemary or bay leaves for additional flavor during the simmering process.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a little extra heat.
Slow Cooker Version: Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, then transfer to the slow cooker with the broth and barley. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American