Beef and Barley Soup

As the days grow colder, nothing warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of Beef and Barley Soup. This hearty dish combines tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables, making it not only comforting but also a nutritious meal perfect for chilly days. Whether you’re looking to feed a hungry family or meal prep for the week, this soup delivers both flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients:

1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup pearl barley

6 cups beef broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Brown the Beef:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it locks in the meat’s flavor, creating a rich base for the soup.

Sauté the Vegetables:

Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the mixture for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and absorb the savory flavors.

Add Broth and Barley:

Pour in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Stir in the pearl barley, dried thyme, and bay leaf. The barley will give the soup its signature heartiness while adding a delightful chewiness.

Simmer:

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour. During this time, the barley will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.

Add Greens:

Once the barley is cooked, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped spinach or kale, cooking until just wilted. This adds a pop of color and boosts the soup’s nutritional value.

Serve:

Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.

Serving Tips:

Garnish: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Pairing: Serve the soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad to create a well-rounded meal.

Temperature: This soup is delicious served warm. If you prefer, you can also enjoy it at room temperature on warmer days.

Adjust Consistency: If the soup thickens after sitting, add a little beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency when reheating.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This soup freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thawing: To thaw frozen soup, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, place the sealed container in cold water.

Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap.

Quality Check: Before serving leftovers, check for any off odors or changes in texture. If the soup shows signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard it.

Related Recipes:

• Fire-Roasted White Bean Soup
• Best Homemade Potato Soup
• Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup

FAQs:

Conclusion:

Whether you’re seeking comfort on a cold evening or a nutritious option for meal prep, this Beef and Barley Soup is sure to hit the spot. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal, and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction it brings.

📖 Recipe:

Beef and Barley Soup

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Warm up with this hearty Beef and Barley Soup that combines tender beef, wholesome barley, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly days, this nutritious meal is not only comforting but also easy to prepare, making it a favorite for families and meal prep enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups beef broth

1 cup pearl barley

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes, until softened.
3. Add Broth and Barley: Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Stir in pearl barley, thyme, and bay leaf.
4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until barley is tender.
5. Add Greens: Season with salt and pepper, then stir in chopped spinach or kale until wilted.
6. Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Customize with additional vegetables like peas or potatoes.

This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Adjust consistency with extra broth or water when reheating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 320 kcal

Keywords: Beef and Barley Soup, hearty soup, comfort food, nutritious soup, beef stew, barley recipe, easy soup recipe, meal prep soup.