Delicious Beef Barley Soup: Comforting, Nutritious, and Satisfying

Photo byAngie Bright

Beef barley soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a hearty and wholesome meal. This classic dish brings together tender chunks of beef, nutritious vegetables, and chewy barley in a flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or prepping it for a week's worth of meals, this beef barley soup is sure to satisfy.

One of the best things about beef barley soup is how versatile and filling it is. The pearl barley adds a deliciously nutty and chewy texture, while the beef chuck roast provides a rich, savory depth. Combined with the sweetness of carrots, celery, and onions, along with aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme, this soup becomes a full-flavored, satisfying meal in one bowl.

While the recipe takes a little time to prepare, the slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Each bite is a symphony of tastes—from the tender beef and hearty vegetables to the earthy barley and herbs. It’s not just a soup; it’s a comforting, nourishing dish that can feed the soul as much as the body.

Recipe: Beef Barley Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chuck roast, trimmed of excess chunks of fat, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots (about 3)
• 1 cup chopped celery (about 2 ribs)
• 2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 large)
• 3 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (4 cloves)
• 2 (32 oz) cartons low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth
• 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp minced fresh rosemary, or 1/2 tsp dried
• 2 tsp minced fresh thyme, or 1/2 tsp dried
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Dab the beef dry and add 1/2 or 1/3 of it to the pot, being careful not to overcrowd. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear the beef until golden brown on the bottom, about 3 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional minute. Transfer the beef to a plate along with any juices and repeat the process with the remaining beef, adding another tablespoon of oil to the pot.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the now-empty pot and heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onions, and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and garlic, and cook for 1 minute longer.
3. Pour in the broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook until the beef is fairly tender, about 45 to 60 minutes.
4. Add the barley, cover the pot, and continue simmering until the barley is cooked through and the beef is tender, another 45 to 60 minutes.
5. Stir in the parsley and serve the soup warm.

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of beef barley soup to make you feel warm and cozy, no matter the weather outside. It’s a great dish to make ahead, as the flavors only get better with time. Whether you enjoy it fresh off the stove or reheated later, this soup will always deliver a rich, savory experience. Pair it with some crusty bread or serve it on its own for a complete and satisfying meal.

Here are some great sources for beef barley soup recipes, including tips and variations:

1. Serious Eats offers a detailed guide on how to prepare a rich beef barley soup, emphasizing the importance of browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables to maximize flavor. It also suggests using chicken stock for a lighter base, unless you have homemade beef stock available​(Serious Eats).
2. The Kitchn provides a comforting beef barley soup recipe packed with vegetables and tender beef chunks. It also highlights the benefit of cooking barley directly in the soup to infuse it with rich flavors​(Kitchn).
3. The Forked Spoon describes a hearty version of beef barley soup with a tomato-based broth, emphasizing the use of pearl barley and fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor​(The Forked Spoon).
4. Taste of Home offers a straightforward recipe with helpful tips on storing and freezing the soup, making it a great option for meal prep​(Taste of Home).

Feel free to explore these resources for more in-depth instructions and ideas!