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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, deep flavor: The beef, broth, and barley come together for a savory, soul-soothing experience.
- Nutritious and filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies.
- Perfect for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy cozy dinners anytime.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1½ lbs beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Brown the beef:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the vegetables:
In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. - Deglaze and build flavor:
Add a splash of broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom — this adds rich flavor to the soup. - Add the rest of the ingredients:
Return beef to the pot along with broth, barley, tomatoes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. - Simmer:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. - Finish and serve:
Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or buttery rolls for dipping.
- Add a side salad for a complete, balanced meal.
- Top each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a savory twist.
💡 Tips for the Best Beef and Barley Soup
- Use the right beef: Chuck roast or stew meat becomes incredibly tender when simmered slowly.
- Don’t overcook the barley: It should be tender but still slightly chewy.
- Make it ahead: The flavors deepen overnight — it’s even better the next day.
- Freezing tip: Leave a little extra broth when freezing; barley absorbs liquid as it sits.
🥰 Final Thoughts
Beef and Barley Soup is old-fashioned comfort at its finest — hearty, nourishing, and deeply flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to slow down, savor each bite, and maybe go back for seconds.
Whether you’re fighting off winter’s chill or just craving a warm, filling dinner, this soup never disappoints. Serve it to your family, share it with friends, or make a big pot to enjoy all week long — it’s a classic for a reason.
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