Classic Beef Barley Soup

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Classic Beef Barley Soup, a hearty, flavor-packed recipe perfect for cold evenings or satisfying family meals. Made with tender chunks of stewing beef, wholesome pearl barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, this soup simmers to perfection in a rich beef broth infused with aromatic thyme and bay leaf. Diced tomatoes add a subtle tang, while fresh parsley makes a vibrant finishing touch. This one-pot wonder is as nourishing as it is delicious, offering a deeply savory flavor with each spoonful. Easy to prepare and ideal for leftovers, this soup is a timeless classic that will quickly become a household favorite. Perfect for fans of hearty soups, beef recipes, or cozy comfort food!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound stewing beef (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 3 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (sliced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 0.75 cup pearl barley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the stewing beef with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the pot in batches, searing on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 3

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 4

Return the beef to the pot along with any juices that collected on the plate.

Step 5

Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (including their juices). Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 6

Stir in the pearl barley, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for about 60-70 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Check if the barley is tender and the beef is fork-tender. If not, continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 10

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3301.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2312.7

Total Fat 126.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 43.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 317.5mg	0%
Sodium 10176.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 177.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.0g	0%
Total Sugars 28.3g
Protein 125.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 467.5mg	0%
Iron 21.6mg	0%
Potassium 4596.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.3%

Protein: 21.5%

Carbs: 30.2%