What ingredients do I need to make hearty beef barley soup?

To make hearty beef barley soup, you will need lean beef stew meat, pearl barley, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, beef broth or stock, diced tomatoes, and seasonings like thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also include potatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Using pearl barley helps create a thick, creamy texture while adding fiber and nutrients. Fresh vegetables and quality broth contribute to a rich, savory taste.

How do I cook beef barley soup so the beef is tender?

To get tender beef in your barley soup, first brown the stew meat in a hot pan to seal in juices and add flavor. Then simmer the beef slowly in broth for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it becomes tender. Avoid boiling rapidly, as gentle simmering helps break down the meat fibers without making it tough. Adding barley later in the cooking process (after the beef is tender) prevents it from becoming too mushy.

Can I make beef barley soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, beef barley soup is ideal for slow cooker preparation. Brown the beef first, then add it along with chopped vegetables, barley, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become very tender. Add barley during the last hour to prevent overcooking.

How many calories are in a typical serving of beef barley soup?

A typical 1-cup serving of hearty beef barley soup contains approximately 200 to 250 calories. This can vary depending on the amount of beef and barley used, as well as added vegetables or fats. Barley adds fiber and protein, making the soup filling and nutritious while keeping the calorie count moderate.

What are some healthy variations of beef barley soup?

To make beef barley soup healthier, consider using lean cuts of beef or ground beef with low fat content. Increase the vegetable quantity by adding kale, spinach, or zucchini for extra vitamins and fiber. Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels. You can also substitute pearl barley with hulled barley for higher fiber content. Reducing or omitting added oil during cooking can lower the fat content without sacrificing taste.

Hearty Beef Barley Soup Recipe With Tender Vegetables

Name: Hearty Beef Barley Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 tablespoon oil; – 1 onion, chopped; – 1 clove garlic, minced; – 2 carrots, sliced; – 1 rib celery, sliced; – 2 cups cooked beef (such as leftover pot roast, flank steak sliced against the grain, cubed chuck, or browned ground beef); – 6 cups reduced sodium beef broth; – 14.5 ounces canned tomatoes with juices; – ½ green bell pepper, diced; – ⅔ cup pearl barley; – 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; – ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves; – 1 packet beef gravy mix; – 1 bay leaf; – 2 tablespoons red wine (optional); – 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley; – Salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon oil

– 1 onion, chopped

– 1 clove garlic, minced

– 2 carrots, sliced

– 1 rib celery, sliced

– 2 cups cooked beef (such as leftover pot roast, flank steak sliced against the grain, cubed chuck, or browned ground beef)

– 6 cups reduced sodium beef broth

– 14.5 ounces canned tomatoes with juices

– ½ green bell pepper, diced

– ⅔ cup pearl barley

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves

– 1 packet beef gravy mix

– 1 bay leaf

– 2 tablespoons red wine (optional)

– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley

– Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1-First, heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they soften and release their aroma, about 3-5 minutes.

2-Next, stir in the sliced carrots, celery, and diced green bell pepper, letting them cook for another 2-3 minutes to build more flavor.

3-Then, add the cooked beef, reduced sodium beef broth, canned tomatoes with juices, pearl barley, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme leaves, beef gravy mix, bay leaf, and red wine if you’re using it. Stir everything together well.

4-Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the barley is tender.

5-Finally, remove the bay leaf, mix in the fresh or dried parsley, and season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍜 Barley thickens soup as it cools; add extra broth or water to adjust consistency.
🥩 Use leftover cooked beef or prepare fresh by browning ground beef and draining fat.
🌾 Pearl barley is preferred for its texture and nutty flavor that enhance the soup.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten (contains barley)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)