This hearty and comforting Beef Barley Soup is a rich blend of tender beef chunks, pearl barley, and flavorful vegetables simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this classic dish is a family favorite that’s simple to make and endlessly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

  • Rich and Hearty: Packed with beef and barley, this soup is a filling one-pot meal.
  • Flavorful Aromatics: A base of carrots, celery, onions, and fresh herbs makes every bite irresistible.
  • Comfort in a Bowl: Perfect for cozy dinners or meal-prepping for the week.
  • Easy to Customize: Add or substitute ingredients to suit your taste or pantry staples.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced into ¼-inch pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1½ pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 64 ounces (8 cups) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, including juice
  • ¾ cup pearl barley
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • Fresh parsley leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Beef

  1. Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and place them in a bowl.
  2. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven or large stockpot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add half of the beef in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes per side, or until browned. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In the same pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant (3–5 minutes).
  3. Stir in the garlic, dried thyme, and the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook for 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Broth

  1. Add the tomato paste to the pot, stirring to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute until the paste darkens slightly.
  2. Return the browned beef and any accumulated juices to the pot.
  3. Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), pearl barley, and bay leaf. Mix everything well.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

  1. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
  2. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 40–50 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
  2. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Storage Options

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Cool the soup completely and freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over medium heat.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Meat Variations: Use chicken, turkey, or leftover roast for a lighter or quicker option.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Grain Substitutions: Replace pearl barley with farro, quinoa, or rice for a gluten-free version.
  • Additional Vegetables: Add diced potatoes, turnips, or green beans for extra texture and flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.

Pro Tips for Perfect Soup

  • Brown the Beef Well: Browning creates caramelized bits that enrich the soup’s flavor.
  • Cut Ingredients Evenly: Uniformly sliced vegetables ensure even cooking.
  • Simmer Slowly: Low and slow simmering allows flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Fresh Herbs: Add parsley at the end for a pop of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with crusty bread or warm biscuits to soak up the flavorful broth.
  • Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of tender beef, chewy barley, and a robust broth infused with vegetables and herbs makes this Beef Barley Soup a timeless classic. It’s an easy, one-pot dish perfect for feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week.

Enjoy a steaming bowl of this comforting soup on a chilly evening, and let its rich flavors warm you from the inside out. 🍲✨