Cozy Hearty Beef and Barley Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Chilly evenings call for a warming beef and barley soup that hugs your soul like a cozy blanket.

Cold winds whisper comfort through this classic dish, packed with robust flavors and satisfying textures.

Tender beef chunks swim alongside plump barley pearls in a rich, deeply seasoned broth.

Mediterranean and eastern European culinary traditions merge beautifully in this rustic recipe that speaks of home and hearth.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that nourishes both body and spirit.

Each spoonful promises warmth, depth, and pure culinary comfort.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this soul-satisfying soup.

Hearty Beef and Barley Soup for Cold Days

• Dive into a hearty soup that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for chilly evenings when you crave a soul-satisfying meal.
• Minimal chopping and simple steps make this recipe a breeze, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
• Packed with protein-rich beef, fiber-filled barley, and a medley of vegetables, this soup delivers a balanced, nutritious meal in one delicious bowl.
• Economical ingredients transform humble components into a filling, restaurant-worthy soup that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

Everything You’ll Need for Beef and Barley Soup

• Beef: Rich, flavorful meat that provides hearty substance to the soup. Choose chuck roast or stew meat for better texture and taste.

• Barley: Adds nutty flavor and substantial texture. Pearl barley works best for quicker cooking and softer consistency.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base with deep flavor profile. Fresh, firm vegetables create better taste and texture.
• Garlic: Provides intense, aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced options.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor. Kosher salt recommended for better seasoning.
• Bay Leaves, Thyme, Rosemary: Dried herbs that add earthy, complex layers to the soup's flavor.

• Beef Broth: Creates rich, meaty foundation for the soup. Low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
• Water: Helps adjust soup's consistency and volume.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds brightness and slight acidity. Canned tomatoes work perfectly for consistent flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh, light finish to the soup. Adds visual appeal and subtle herbal note.

• Crusty Bread, Crackers: Ideal for dipping and complementing the soup's hearty texture.

How to Simmer Beef and Barley Soup Just Right

Step 1: Sear the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat

Sprinkle meat with salt and pepper

Brown beef in batches until golden and crispy

Ensure each piece develops a beautiful caramelized exterior

Transfer browned meat to a separate plate

Step 2: Wake Up the Vegetables

Add remaining olive oil to the same pot

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent

Introduce minced garlic and stir quickly

Let garlic release its aromatic magic for one minute

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Return seared beef back to the pot

• Beef broth
• Water
• Diced tomatoes

• Barley
• Bay leaves
• Thyme
• Rosemary

Stir everything together lovingly

Bring mixture to a rolling boil

Reduce heat to low

Cover and let simmer gently

Step 4: Final Touches

Check meat and barley for perfect tenderness

Simmer additional time if needed

Remove bay leaves

Taste and adjust seasoning

Ladle into warm bowls

Scatter fresh parsley on top

Serve with crusty bread or crispy crackers

Tips for Getting Tender Beef and Plump Barley

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Sear the beef in batches to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that adds incredible depth to the soup's overall taste.
• Perfect Vegetable Softening: Ensure vegetables are uniformly chopped and sautéed until they're tender but not mushy, releasing their natural sweetness into the broth.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Adjust water or broth amounts to achieve your desired soup thickness, keeping in mind barley will continue absorbing liquid during cooking.
• Herb Infusion Trick: Tie herbs together with kitchen twine for easy removal and to prevent scattered herb pieces throughout the soup.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap beef with mushrooms or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version, maintaining the soup's hearty texture and nutritional profile.

Best Way to Store and Heat Up Beef and Barley Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving to ensure it's piping hot throughout.

Pairing Suggestions for Hearty Beef and Barley Bowls

• Choose a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that complements the rich, hearty beef flavors, enhancing the soup's deep, savory profile.
• Select a rustic sourdough or hearty rye bread to soak up the flavorful broth, providing a delightful textural contrast and additional warmth to the meal.
• Create a bright, crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette dressing to cut through the soup's richness, balancing the meal with fresh, zesty notes and adding a lighter element to the dining experience.
• Opt for a malty amber ale or porter that echoes the soup's depth, offering a complementary flavor profile that stands up to the robust beef and earthy barley.

Variants to Customize Your Beef and Barley Soup

• Vegetarian Barley Soup: Replace beef with diced mushrooms or plant-based protein like tempeh, using vegetable broth for a hearty meat-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap pearl barley with quinoa or rice, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning beef and vegetables, cooking on low for 6-8 hours for tender, rich flavors.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add kalamata olives, diced zucchini, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese to give the soup a Greek-inspired profile.

Hearty Beef And Barley Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting beef and barley soup brings warmth from European kitchens with rich, slow-simmered flavor. Savory meat, tender vegetables, and hearty grains combine in a soul-satisfying bowl perfect for wintry days you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid, Grains, and Seasonings:

• 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup water
• ¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Initiate the meat preparation by heating olive oil in a robust cooking vessel over medium-high temperature.
2. Generously season the beef cuts, then methodically sear each batch, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Rotate pieces to ensure uniform browning, developing deep flavor profiles. Transfer perfectly seared meat to a separate plate.
3. In the same cooking vessel, introduce remaining oil and gently transform chopped onions, carrots, and celery until they soften and release aromatic essence. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing its pungent notes to permeate the vegetable medley.
4. Reintroduce the seared beef to the vegetable foundation. Pour in beef broth, tomatoes, and introduce barley along with fragrant bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Stir thoroughly to marry ingredients.
5. Elevate liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat, creating a gentle simmer. Cover and allow ingredients to meld and tenderize for approximately three-quarters of an hour.
6. Assess the soup’s consistency and protein tenderness. If required, extend cooking duration by 10-15 minutes to achieve optimal texture.
7. Eliminate bay leaves and refine seasoning with strategic salt and pepper adjustments.
8. Ladle into warm bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and complement with rustic bread or crisp crackers for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Brown the beef in batches to develop a deep, rich flavor and prevent overcrowding in the pot.
• Use high-quality beef cuts like chuck or stew meat for maximum tenderness and rich taste.
• Select pearl barley for a creamy texture and quicker cooking time compared to hulled barley.
• Add a splash of red wine while browning beef to enhance the overall depth and complexity of the soup’s flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg