Description
This Hearty Beef and Barley Soup is a warm, comforting dish featuring tender beef chuck, wholesome pearl barley, and a medley of sautéed vegetables simmered together in a rich beef broth infused with herbs. Perfect for chilly days, this soup offers a satisfying, nutritious meal that’s ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1½ lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 8 cups beef broth
- ¾ cup pearl barley
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Warm the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, preparing it for browning the beef.
- Brown Beef: Season the beef chunks with salt and black pepper. Brown them in batches in the hot oil, searing all sides to develop flavor. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook them for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about one minute to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the pearl barley, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Beef chuck is preferred for its tenderness after slow simmering.
- The soup thickens as it rests; add extra broth to adjust consistency if desired.
- Flavor develops even better after sitting overnight.
- This soup freezes well for up to three months for easy future meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
