Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

Beef and Barley Soup is a classic comfort food that combines tender beef, nutritious barley, and a medley of vegetables into a delicious and hearty meal. Perfect for cold weather or when you need a nourishing dish, this soup is both filling and flavorful. With a prep time of 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 2 hours, it’s a great option for a weekend meal that can be enjoyed throughout the week. Each serving contains approximately 250 kcal, making it a balanced and healthy choice.

Ingredients to Prepare

This recipe yields 6 servings. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Beef and Barley Soup:

• 1 pound boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 ½ cups carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cups celery, thinly sliced
• ⅔ cup onion, chopped
• 10-12 mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons beef base
• 8-10 cups water
• 1 or 2 large bay leaves
• 1 cup uncooked pearl barley
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

How to Make

1. Sear the Beef:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the beef pieces and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables:

• In the same pot, add the carrots, celery, onion, and mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Combine Ingredients:

• Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef base, water, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour.

4. Add Barley:

• Stir in the pearl barley, salt, and pepper. Continue to simmer for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the barley is tender and the soup has thickened.

5. Serve:

• Remove the bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Helpful Tips

• Searing the Beef: Searing the beef before simmering adds depth of flavor to the soup. Make sure the beef is browned on all sides.
• Vegetable Prep: Slice the vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
• Bay Leaves: Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving as they are not meant to be eaten.

Cooking Tips

• Beef Base Substitute: If you don’t have beef base, you can use beef broth or bouillon cubes dissolved in water.
• Barley: Rinse the barley under cold water before adding it to the soup to remove any excess starch.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can make this soup in a slow cooker. Sear the beef and cook the vegetables as directed, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Serving Suggestions

• Bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 20g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 5g

Storage and Leftovers

• Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual servings.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Similar Recipes to Try

If you love Beef and Barley Soup, you might enjoy these other hearty and comforting recipes:

1. Chicken and Rice Soup: A flavorful and comforting soup with tender chicken, rice, and vegetables.

2. Vegetable Beef Soup: A nutritious and hearty soup loaded with vegetables and tender beef.

3. Lentil Soup: A protein-packed soup with lentils, vegetables, and spices.

4. Minestrone Soup: A classic Italian soup with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a savory broth.

5. Mushroom Barley Soup: A vegetarian option with earthy mushrooms and hearty barley.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

• Yes, you can use any stew meat or a tougher cut of beef that becomes tender with slow cooking.

2. Can I use quick-cooking barley?

• Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as quick-cooking barley will require less time to cook.

3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

• Substitute pearl barley with a gluten-free grain like quinoa or rice.

4. Can I add other vegetables?

• Absolutely! Potatoes, parsnips, or turnips would be great additions.

5. How do I thicken the soup?

• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking.

Conclusion

Beef and Barley Soup is a hearty, nutritious, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Combining tender beef, wholesome barley, and a variety of vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and flavorful. Easy to prepare and great for leftovers, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad, and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and happy cooking!

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