Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty Beef & Barley Soup is a comforting, nourishing dish packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables. It’s the perfect meal for chilly days, offering rich flavors, satisfying textures, and a filling, well-balanced bowl that feels like a warm hug. This classic soup is easy to make and even better when reheated, making it ideal for meal prepping or cozy family dinners.

ingredients

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

beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)onioncarrotscelerygarlicbeef brothwaterpearl barleytomato pastebay leavesdried thymeparsleyblack peppersaltolive oil

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add the beef and brown it on all sides, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Remove the beef and set it aside.

In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.

Return the beef to the pot along with any accumulated juices.

Add beef broth, water, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.

Stir in the pearl barley and continue to simmer for an additional 30-40 minutes, until the barley and beef are tender.

Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning as needed.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 1 hour 15 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Swap beef for ground beef or leftover roast for a quicker version.

Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness.

Use mushrooms for a richer, earthier flavor.

Stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for a boost of greens.

Make it gluten-free by substituting barley with brown rice or quinoa.

storage/reheating

Store Hearty Beef & Barley Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.It can be frozen for up to 3 months.Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use quick-cooking barley?

Yes, but add it later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking.

What cut of beef works best?

Chuck roast, stew meat, or any well-marbled cut is ideal for tender results.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

How can I make it more flavorful?

Use homemade beef stock and don’t skip browning the beef—it builds deep flavor.

Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the beef, barley, and vegetables.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Peas, corn, green beans, and potatoes are great additions.

Does the barley absorb all the liquid?

Barley continues to absorb liquid over time. Add extra broth if needed when reheating.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit the beef, use vegetable broth, and add extra vegetables or mushrooms for depth.

Should I rinse the barley before cooking?

It’s a good idea to rinse pearl barley to remove any dust or debris.

Can I use leftover cooked barley?

Yes, just stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat through.

Conclusion

Hearty Beef & Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender beef, chewy barley, and savory vegetables into a deeply satisfying dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning make-ahead meals, or simply craving something warm and nourishing, this classic soup is a timeless choice that never disappoints.