Beef barley soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. Here’s a recipe that aims to be the best ever, combining rich flavors and tender beef with wholesome barley and vegetables.
Best Ever Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh, if available)
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the carrots, celery, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Build the Soup Base:
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Add Barley:
- Stir in the rinsed pearl barley.
- Continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed some of the flavors.
- Final Touches:
- Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot.
This recipe should give you a rich, flavorful beef barley soup with tender beef and a nice balance of vegetables and barley. If you want to make it ahead, it also stores well in the refrigerator for a few days and even improves in flavor after sitting for a day. Enjoy!