Beef Barley Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.

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Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent.
2. Add the Carrots and Celery: Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 3-4 minutes. These vegetables will add sweetness and texture to the soup.

Step 3: Build the Soup

1. Return the Beef: Add the browned beef back to the pot along with the juices that have collected on the plate.
2. Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine.
3. Season and Simmer: Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender.

Step 4: Add the Barley

1. Add the Barley: After the soup has simmered for 45 minutes, stir in the rinsed barley.
2. Simmer Again: Continue cooking the soup for another 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender but still chewy.

Step 5: Adjust and Serve

1. Check for Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme if needed.
2. Remove the Bay Leaves: Discard the bay leaves before serving.
3. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or rolls for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Beef Barley Soup

• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For the best results, use chuck roast or stew beef, which becomes tender when slow-cooked.
• Don’t Overcook the Barley: Barley expands as it cooks. Keep an eye on it to ensure it stays chewy, not mushy.
• Let the Soup Rest: As the soup sits, the flavors meld together beautifully. It often tastes even better the next day!
• Freeze for Later: Beef barley soup freezes well. Let the soup cool completely, then store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Variations and Customizations

• Beef and Mushroom Barley Soup: Add sliced mushrooms to the pot when you sauté the vegetables for an earthy, umami twist.
• Vegetable-Packed Barley Soup: Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, or peas for a more nutritious, veggie-loaded version.
• Herb-Infused Barley Soup: Try adding fresh rosemary or a sprig of thyme to the soup for more fragrant herbal notes.
• Beef and Barley Stew: For a thicker, stew-like consistency, reduce the amount of broth and increase the simmering time to allow the soup to thicken.

What to Serve with Beef Barley Soup

• Crusty Bread: The perfect companion for dipping into the rich, savory broth.
• Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad balances the heartiness of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted root vegetables, like carrots or parsnips, complements the flavors of the soup.
• Buttery Biscuits: Soft, flaky biscuits make an excellent side for soaking up the broth.

How to Store and Reheat

• Storing: Keep leftover beef barley soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Freezing: Freeze any extra soup for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Why Beef Barley Soup Is a Must-Make

There’s something deeply satisfying about a bowl of beef barley soup. The combination of tender beef, chewy barley, and a flavorful broth loaded with vegetables makes it a perfect dish for any time you need a little extra warmth and comfort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a big batch for yourself, this soup is sure to be a hit.

Craving a warm, hearty meal? This beef barley soup recipe delivers rich flavors, tender beef, and wholesome barley in every bite. Try it today for a cozy, filling dinner!