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Hearty Beef Barley Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 93 reviews

This Hearty Beef Barley Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender stewing beef, nutritious barley, and a medley of vegetables simmered in rich beef broth, this soup combines robust flavors with a satisfying texture. Enhanced with Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh parsley garnish, it makes a delicious and wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasonings

  • 1.5 pounds stewing meat, cut into small pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • ½ cup white onion, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • ½ cup celery, chopped
  • 1 large Russet potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 cup frozen vegetables (mixed)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Liquids and Grains

  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 6–7 cups beef broth
  • ⅔ cup barley

Instructions

  1. Season the Beef: Generously season the stewing meat with salt and pepper to enhance the beef’s natural flavor before cooking.
  2. Brown the Beef and Onions: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the beef and diced white onion, cooking until the beef is browned on all sides and the onions are softened, forming a flavorful base for the soup.
  3. Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly browned. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and cook for another 30 seconds to release the herbs’ aroma.
  4. Deglaze the Pot: Pour a small amount of beef broth into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom, which adds depth and flavor.
  5. Add Remaining Liquids and Worcestershire: Pour in the remaining beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together to combine.
  6. Simmer the Beef: Bring the mixture to a low simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for 20 minutes to start tenderizing the beef.
  7. Add Barley: Stir in the barley evenly throughout the soup so it can absorb flavors and begin softening.
  8. Add Potatoes and Celery: Mix in the cubed potatoes and chopped celery, then cook uncovered for another 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  9. Add Frozen Vegetables: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and continue cooking for 10 minutes more, allowing barley and vegetables to become fully tender.
  10. Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: If the soup is too thick, add additional beef broth as needed. Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to preference.
  11. Serve: Ladle the hearty soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or cook uncovered longer to allow more liquid to evaporate.
  • Use pearl barley for a softer texture or hulled barley if you prefer a chewier bite.
  • Substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal vegetables for variety and freshness.
  • Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when adding Italian seasoning if you like a spicier soup.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it great for meal prep.

Keywords: beef barley soup, hearty soup, beef stew, comfort food, healthy soup, winter soup, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/hearty-beef-barley-soup-recipe/