Beef and Barley Soup (Printable)

A warming bowl loaded with tender beef, pearl barley, and vegetables in a rich, savory beef broth.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Grains

02 - 3/4 cup pearl barley, rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 1 large onion, chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
08 - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
09 - 1 cup frozen peas
10 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (optional)

→ Liquids

11 - 8 cups beef broth

→ Herbs & Seasonings

12 - 2 bay leaves
13 - 1 tsp dried thyme
14 - 1 tsp dried parsley
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
16 - 2 tbsp olive oil

# How to Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
03 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
04 - Return the beef to the pot. Stir in potatoes, barley, diced tomatoes if using, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and parsley.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
06 - Add peas, season with salt and pepper, and simmer uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until barley and beef are tender.
07 - Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The pearl barley creates this incredible velvety texture that transforms the broth from thin and watery into something almost luxurious
  • Everything cooks in one pot, so you get maximum flavor with minimum cleanup
  • This soup actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd throughout the week
02 -
  • The soup will thicken considerably as it sits because the barley continues absorbing liquid, so if reheating the next day, add extra broth or water
  • If the beef is still tough after the initial cooking time, keep simmering, as barley needs time to fully soften and the meat will become more tender with each passing minute
03 -
  • Dont rush the initial searing of the beef, as those browned bits on the bottom of the pot are what give the soup its deep, complex flavor
  • If you have time, make the soup a day ahead and reheat it, as this allows the flavors to develop and intensify
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