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How to Make Beef & Barley Soup
1. Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. This step helps lock in the flavor! Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Broth
Return the browned beef to the pot and stir in the tomato paste (if using). Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
5. Add the Barley
Stir in the barley and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, until the barley is tender and has absorbed the broth’s flavors.
6. Final Touches
If using, add the frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal.
Tips for the Best Beef & Barley Soup
✅ Use the Right Beef – Chuck roast or stew meat works best for this recipe as it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when slow-cooked.
✅ Make it in a Slow Cooker – Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
✅ Adjust the Thickness – If the soup thickens too much, simply add extra beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
✅ Make It Ahead – This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Side Salad – A fresh green salad adds a nice contrast to the hearty soup.
- Grated Parmesan – Sprinkle some cheese on top for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes well! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding extra broth if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Beef & Barley Soup is a true comfort food classic that never disappoints. With its hearty ingredients, deep flavors, and easy preparation, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making over and over again.
So, grab a bowl, cozy up, and enjoy the delicious warmth of this homemade soup. Let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite way to make Beef & Barley Soup? 😊🍲
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