why make this recipe
Beef Barley Soup is a warm and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. It combines tender beef, nutritious barley, and fresh vegetables, making it a comforting meal for the whole family. This soup is not only filling but also packed with flavor, and it’s a great way to use inexpensive cuts of meat. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or something special for a gathering, this soup fits the bill.
how to make Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef (chuck or stew meat), cut into cubes
- 1 cup barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot or crock pot, brown the beef cubes over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the shredded carrots, diced potatoes, barley, beef broth, water, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours on the stove or 6-8 hours in the crock pot, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your soup!
how to serve Beef Barley Soup
Serve Beef Barley Soup hot in a bowl. You can garnish it with fresh parsley for added color and flavor. It goes well with crusty bread or crackers for dipping. This soup is perfect for lunch or dinner and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a simple salad.
how to store Beef Barley Soup
To store any leftover Beef Barley Soup, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make Beef Barley Soup
- For extra flavor, you can brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like celery or peas for a boost of nutrition.
- If you like your soup thicker, you can add a bit more barley or reduce the amount of liquid.
variation
You can easily make a vegetable version of this soup by omitting the beef and increasing the amount of barley and vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter option.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken or turkey instead of beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting in the fridge for a day.
3. Is this soup gluten-free?
No, traditional barley contains gluten. You can substitute with a gluten-free grain like quinoa if needed.
Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot or crock pot, brown the beef cubes over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the shredded carrots, diced potatoes, barley, beef broth, water, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours on the stove or 6-8 hours in the crock pot, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.