Description
Rich, comforting, and deeply nourishing, Hearty Beef and Barley Soup brings together tender chunks of beef, nutty barley, and a flavorful medley of vegetables in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly days, meal prep, or a family dinner, this one-pot wonder is easy to make and even better the next day. Every spoonful offers the cozy taste of homestyle cooking and satisfying nutrition.
Ingredients
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1½ lbs stew beef or chuck roast, cut into cubes
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¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed
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3 carrots, diced
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3 celery stalks, diced
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1 large onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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8 cups beef broth or stock
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 bay leaves
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1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes on all sides. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
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Deglaze: Stir in tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes. Deglaze with a splash of broth, scraping the bottom of the pot.
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Add Broth and Barley: Return beef to the pot. Add broth, barley, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
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Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, until beef is tender and barley is fully cooked.
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Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Use well-marbled beef like chuck for maximum flavor.
For extra depth, add a splash of Worcestershire or balsamic vinegar.
Soup will thicken as it cools—add broth when reheating.
Make it vegetarian by omitting beef and using beans or mushrooms.
Use the slow cooker or Instant Pot for hands-off cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Homestyle
Keywords: beef and barley soup, hearty soup, cold weather soup, comfort food, one-pot soup, meal prep soup, homestyle beef soup