Beef Barley Soup — The Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl 🍲
When the chill sets in, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Beef Barley Soup. Tender beef, hearty barley and slow-simmered vegetables create a rich broth that warms you from the inside out.
Servings: 8–10
Prep:
Cook:
✅️ Ingredients & Their Roles
Each ingredient contributes to the soup’s balance of richness, texture and depth.
- 🔹️ 2 lb (900 g) beef chuck roast or stew meat — The star: marbling melts during simmering, creating tender meat and a rich broth.
- 🔹️ Salt and freshly ground black pepper — Season at every stage to build flavor.
- 🔹️ 2 tablespoons olive oil — For proper browning and flavor development.
- 🔹️ 1 large yellow onion, diced — Adds sweetness and savory body.
- 🔹️ 3 carrots, peeled and sliced — Natural sweetness and color.
- 🔹️ 3 celery stalks, sliced — Earthy aromatics that deepen the stock.
- 🔹️ 3–4 garlic cloves, minced — Rounds out flavors with savory punch.
- 🔹️ 1–2 tablespoons tomato paste (or diced tomatoes) — Adds color, umami and slight acidity.
- 🔹️ 6–8 cups beef broth (or mix with chicken broth) — The flavorful liquid base. Use homemade or good-quality store-bought.
- 🔹️ 1 cup pearled or hulled barley, rinsed — Hearty chew; thickens the soup as it cooks.
- 🔹️ 1–2 bay leaves — Subtle herbal complexity.
- 🔹️ 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh sprigs) — Earthy lift that pairs well with beef and barley.
- 🔹️ Optional: ½ cup red wine or a splash of Worcestershire sauce — For extra depth and acidity.
- 🔹️ Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish — Bright finishing note.
