Are you craving a hearty, soul-warming soup that promises to transport you to culinary bliss with every spoonful? Look no further than this mouthwatering Beef Barley Soup that's about to become your new winter comfort food obsession! Imagine tender beef cubes, perfectly seasoned and slow-simmered with nutty barley and farm-fresh vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that will have your family begging for seconds. This isn't just a recipe—it's a warm hug in a bowl that combines rustic American cooking traditions with pure, comforting deliciousness.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed
- 1/2 cup barley
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting beef into uniform 1-inch cubes, chopping onions, slicing carrots, mincing garlic, and chopping celery.
- Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Brown beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a rich golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Return browned beef to the pot and add beef broth, dried thyme, and barley.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
- Simmer soup for approximately
- 5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and barley is fully cooked.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Let soup rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips
- Choose the right cut of beef: Use chuck or stew meat with good marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Take time to brown the meat: Don't rush this step! Proper browning develops deep, rich flavors that are crucial to the soup's taste.
- Low and slow is the secret: Simmer the soup gently to allow the beef to become meltingly tender and the barley to cook perfectly.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: If possible, garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh note.
- Make ahead and enjoy: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Control your liquid: If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, simply add a bit more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
