Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty Beef and Barley Soup is a warm, filling, and nutrient-rich meal perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave classic comfort food. Tender chunks of beef simmer with vegetables, herbs, and chewy barley in a savory broth that deepens in flavor the longer it cooks. It’s satisfying, easy to prepare, and even better the next day.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

stew beef or chuck roast (cut into bite-sized pieces)olive oilonioncarrotscelerygarlicclovebeef broth or stockdiced tomatoespearled barleybay leafthyme (fresh or dried)salt and pepperfresh parsley (optional)

directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add beef and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

In the same pot, sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Return beef to the pot and stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, barley, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1–1½ hours, or until beef is tender and barley is fully cooked.

Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6–8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 1½ hoursTotal time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Use ground beef or leftover roast for a quicker version.

Add mushrooms or parsnips for extra depth and earthiness.

Swap barley with farro or brown rice for a twist.

Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.

Add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce for richer flavor.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Soup thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth or water when reheating.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.Freezes well for up to 3 months—cool completely before freezing.

FAQs

What kind of beef works best?

Stew beef, chuck roast, or round roast all work well for slow simmering.

Can I use quick-cooking barley?

Yes, reduce the cooking time and follow package instructions.

Is this soup gluten-free?

No, barley contains gluten—use gluten-free grains as a substitute.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours after browning the beef.

Can I use vegetable broth?

Yes, though beef broth adds more richness.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Absolutely—cool fully and store in freezer-safe containers.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Use veggie broth, skip beef, and add extra beans or lentils for protein.

How do I keep the beef tender?

Simmer low and slow to break down connective tissue and keep the beef juicy.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes, diced or crushed tomatoes work well.

What’s the best side to serve?

Crusty bread, a green salad, or garlic toast pair perfectly.

Conclusion

Hearty Beef and Barley Soup is a timeless classic packed with flavor, comfort, and nourishment. With its tender beef, savory broth, and chewy barley, it’s the kind of meal that fills your belly and warms your soul. Make a big batch and enjoy a bowlful of homemade goodness any day of the week.

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