Let’s talk comfort food. What is the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out? What makes you want to forget the world for a little while? What is Beef and Barley Soup? I know soup might not sound that exciting but trust me on this one. This is not your average canned soup. What is the flavor of chicken noodle soup? Will blow your mind. My grandmother used to make this on snowy days, and the smell alone would chase away any blues. What is the secret to a perfect bowl of homemade goodness?What are some tips for making beef and barley soup?What are some of the best home accessories?
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What is Beef and Barley Soup?
Think of Beef and Barley Soup as a stew disguised as soup. What is essentially a one-pot wonder, packed with tender chunks of beef, chewy barley, and medley of spices? All vegetables simmered in a rich, savory broth. What is the beauty of simplicity? What are some good veggies to throw in a salad? What is it like to The barley adds a nice nutty flavor and thickens the soup, giving it ‘a satisfying texture’. What makes it a meal in itself? Some versions use tomatoes, some don’t. Mine does because I personally think it adds a brightness that cuts through the richness of the image. What is the best beef you have ever had?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? Let’s start with the flavor. This isn’t some bland, watery soup. The combination of the browned beef, the earthy barley, and the fragrant vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that just dance on your tongue. The broth is incredibly rich and savory, thanks to the long simmering time, which allows all the ingredients to meld together perfectly. But beyond the amazing taste, what I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s mostly hands-off time. You brown the beef, sauté the veggies, add the rest of the ingredients, and then let it simmer away until everything is tender and delicious. What’s more this recipe is incredibly cost-efficient! Beef chuck is relatively inexpensive and the barley is budget friendly. Plus, you can use up leftover vegetables, making it a great way to reduce food waste. This dish can be served countless ways too! Serve with a crusty bread for dipping, or enjoy it as a hearty lunch or dinner. It’s also amazing reheated, so it’s perfect for meal prepping! If you like French onion soup, or even a minestrone, I just know this is going to be a big hit in your household. This is one of those recipes that gets better with time, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch. In fact, I encourage it! Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
How do I make Beef and Barley Soup?
Quick Overview
How do I make Beef and Barley Soup? How do I brown a beef dish? How do you sauté your favorite vegetables? What’s the best way to cook beef? Is barley tender? What is the beauty of this soup? It’s mostly hands-off, so you can relax while it simmers away. It seems like a long process, but it’s worth it. What are some of the best ways to enjoy soup?
Ingredients
For the Main Soup:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. I always use chuck because it gets incredibly tender and flavorful as it simmers. What are some good stewing beef recipes?
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef broth, I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt level. • 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed. Make sure you rinse it really well to remove any excess starch. • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained. • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, Thyme adds a wonderful earthy flavor.
• 1 bay leaf, Bay leaf is a must for adding depth of flavor to any soup or stew. • Salt and pepper to taste. I recommend starting with a teaspoon of each and then adjusting as needed.
Optional Garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors. • Crusty bread, for serving. What is soup without bread?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper. Add beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown beef on all sides until nicely seared. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor in the soup. Set the browned beef aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t skip this step! Sautéing vegetables releases their natural sugars and creates a flavorful base for soup.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes. Add the beef broth, barley, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until thickened. The beef is very tender and the barley is cooked through. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes! I usually let mine go for 3 hours.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Is it necessary to remove the bay leaf from the soup? What is the best way to serve fresh parsley and lemon juice in a bowl? Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
What should I serve it with?
What is a good beef and barley soup? I like to serve it with a crusty bread for dipping in the broth – sourdough or baguette works too. What are some good side salads with a light vinaigrette? What are some other serving suggestions depending on the occasion?
For a casual lunch:What are the best cheese sandwiches to serve with grilled cheese? What is the best cheese to serve with soup?
What is a good cozy dinner?Serve with roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the vegetables balances the richness of soup.
For a Holiday Gathering:Offer a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions. How do you customize a bowl to your liking?
What is the best way to prepare forPack soup in individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Is it safe to reheat in the microwave?
My family tradition is that it is a staple when it snows! As soon as the first flake falls, my kids know they can expect a warm, comforting bowl of beef and potatoes. I’ve even been known to make it on a particularly chilly summer night, just because everyone loves it.
How do I make Beef and Barley Soup?
Okay, now for the fun part.How do you make a beef and barley soup?What are some tricks to take soup from good to amazing? What are some tips for perfecting your bowl?
Beef Browning:Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the beef. Brown it in batches to ensure each piece gets a nice sear. This creates a rich, caramelized flavor that is essential for the soup. Don’t worry if bits stick to the bottom of the pot – those are the flavorful fond that will deglaze. When you add the broth.
What is the best barWhat is the most common type of barley used in this soup because it cooks relatively quickly? Can you use hulled barley? Just be sure to adjust the simmering time accordingly.
Vegetable Prep Chop the vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. You can also add other vegetables, such as potatoes, parsnips, or turnips. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Broth Boost: For an extra boost of flavor, use homemade beef broth. If you don’t have homemade broth, you can use store-bought broth and add a tablespoon of beef bouillon or some Worcestershire sauce.
Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs can add a bright, vibrant flavor to the soup. Add them towards the end of the cooking time to preserve their flavor. Parsley, thyme, and rosemary are all great choices.
Tomato Options: If you prefer a tomato-based soup, you can add a can of crushed tomatoes or tomato paste. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Thickening Tricks: If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or barley with a fork. Alternatively, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Salt Savvy: Always taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, you can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away. I also like to add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end to brighten up the flavors.
Slow Cooker Strategy: This soup can easily be made in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the broth, barley, tomatoes, herbs, and seasoning. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
I was a little heavy-handed with the thyme once and trust me…a little goes a long way! I’ve also experimented with different types of beef, but I always come back to chuck. It’s just the perfect combination of flavor and tenderness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Beef and Barley Soup is fantastic for meal prepping and leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave the soup at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s important to refrigerate it promptly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: Because there is no glaze on this recipe, you can disregard this tip!
Reheating Methods: You can reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as this can cause the barley to become mushy.
Quality Indicators: When properly stored, Beef and Barley Soup should retain its flavor and texture for several days. If the soup develops an off odor or appearance, discard it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my secrets to making the perfect Beef and Barley Soup. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a holiday gathering, this soup is sure to be a hit. The flavor, the simplicity, and the cost-effectiveness makes it a winner in my book. If you’re a fan of hearty soups and stews, I recommend you also try my Creamy Tomato Soup or Hearty Chicken Stew! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments if you try out any of my beef and barley soup tips!
Best 7 Tips for Making the Ultimate Beef and Mushroom Stew!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless beef stew meat, cubed
- 4 cups baby bella mushrooms, sliced fresh or canned
- 2 cups yellow onions, chopped medium onions
- 3 cups potatoes, diced peeled
- 5 cups beef broth low sodium
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet, brown the beef cubes over medium heat until nicely seared on all sides. Transfer them to a slow cooker.
- Add mushrooms, onions, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours. Stir occasionally, checking the seasoning, and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
