Name: Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 145 min
Yield: About 6 servings
Cuisine: American cuisine
Ingredients: 1.5 lb beef chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 pcs yellow onion (large, chopped); 2 pcs carrots (medium, peeled and sliced); 2 pcs celery stalks (sliced); 3 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 6 cup beef broth; 2 cup water; 0.5 cup pearl barley; 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (undrained); 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 pcs bay leaf; tsp salt (to taste; null); tsp black pepper (to taste; null); 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

A steaming bowl of hearty beef and barley soup, filled with tender chunks of beef and plump grains, is garnished with fresh parsley and served in a rustic ceramic bowl, inviting warmth and comfort.

This deeply satisfying and rustic beef and barley soup is the perfect meal for a chilly evening. Tender chunks of beef are slow-simmered with plump barley, sweet carrots, crisp celery, and aromatic onions, all enveloped in a rich, savory beef broth. Flavored with fragrant thyme and bay leaves, this soup is a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can transform into a complex and comforting dish. It’s an excellent choice for home cooks seeking a nourishing and filling soup that tastes even better the next day, as the flavors mingle and deepen. The addition of barley provides a wonderful chewy texture and substantial heartiness, making it a complete meal on its own. Serve this cozy soup with a side of crusty bread for an ultimate comforting experience.

Preparation time: 25 min
Cooking time: 2 hrs
Total time: 2 hrs 25 min
Servings: 6

Instructions

Preparing the Beef and Vegetables

1Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove beef and set aside.
3Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Simmering the Soup

1Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water, then add the pearl barley, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
2Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 90 minutes, or until the beef is very tender and the barley is cooked through.
3Stir occasionally to prevent barley from sticking to the bottom. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
4Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving

1Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
2Serve immediately with crusty bread for a complete and hearty meal.

Instructions

Preparing the Beef and Vegetables

1Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove beef and set aside.
3Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Simmering the Soup

1Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water, then add the pearl barley, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
2Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 90 minutes, or until the beef is very tender and the barley is cooked through.
3Stir occasionally to prevent barley from sticking to the bottom. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
4Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving

1Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
2Serve immediately with crusty bread for a complete and hearty meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 451 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 19 g
Carbs: 38 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	451 kcal
Protein	35 g
Fat	19 g
Carbs	38 g