Beef barley soup is a hearty and comforting classic, perfect for cold days or when you’re craving a wholesome, nourishing meal. This old-fashioned beef barley soup is made with tender chunks of beef, rich broth, vegetables, and chewy barley. Slow-simmered to develop deep flavors, it’s a timeless recipe that will warm you from the inside out.
1. Old Fashioned Beef Barley Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat (cubed chuck roast or short ribs work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced (optional, for extra heartiness)
- 8 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef broth and water)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional, for added richness)
- ¾ cup pearl barley (rinsed)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Brown the beef: Season the cubed beef with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the pot in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Cook the onions: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add garlic, carrots, and celery: Stir in the minced garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3: Add Broth, Beef, and Seasonings
Return the beef to the pot: Add the browned beef back into the pot along with any accumulated juices.
Pour in the broth: Add 8 cups of beef broth (or a combination of broth and water). If you like a richer soup, you can also add a can of diced tomatoes at this stage.
Add seasonings: Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, and a little more salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Reduce heat and simmer: Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1 to 1 ½ hours, until the beef is tender.
Step 5: Add the Barley
Add the barley: Stir in the rinsed pearl barley and continue simmering for another 30-40 minutes, until the barley is tender and has absorbed some of the broth. If you’re adding potatoes, you can add them at this stage as well.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Check the seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If the soup has thickened too much, feel free to add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the bay leaf: Before serving, be sure to remove the bay leaf from the pot.
Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread or rolls for a complete meal.
2. Variations
Vegetable Beef Barley Soup: Add more veggies like zucchini, corn, or green beans to make the soup even heartier. You can also swap the beef for ground beef if you’re in a hurry.
Chicken Barley Soup: Substitute the beef and beef broth with chicken and chicken broth for a lighter but equally delicious version of this soup. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
Mushroom Barley Soup (Vegetarian): Skip the beef and beef broth, and use vegetable broth along with plenty of mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. You can add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes.
3. What to Serve with Beef Barley Soup
Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to the hearty soup.
Grilled Cheese: Pair with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting, satisfying meal.
4. Leftovers and Storage
Storing: Store leftover beef barley soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a bit of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
This old-fashioned beef barley soup is the ultimate comfort food, filled with tender beef, hearty barley, and wholesome vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or as part of your weekly meal prep, this soup is sure to satisfy. It’s hearty, nutritious, and packed with the flavors of classic home-cooked goodness.
