Description

Beef Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort bowl, combining tender stewing beef, chewy pearl barley, and a deeply savory broth. This 7-serving recipe delivers warm, hearty flavor perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or family gatherings. Aromatic onions, garlic, carrots, and celery enrich the pot with sweetness and depth, while thyme and bay leaf perfume the soup. Brown the beef, simmer slowly, and finish with parsley for bright, cozy bowls every time.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 lbs stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
8 cups beef broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
Add minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in barley, beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, pepper, and salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef and barley are tender.
Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Leftover soup reheats well; store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
For a thicker consistency, simmer a bit longer or puree a portion and mix back in.
Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
To reduce sodium, use a low-sodium beef broth and salt sparingly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop simmer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: Approximately 700 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: Beef Barley Soup, hearty soup, comfort food, one-pot meal, family dinner, cozy soup, wholesome beef barley