Heart-Healthy Hearty Beef Barley Soup

Warm up with a bowl of Heart-Healthy Hearty Beef Barley Soup, a nourishing and flavorful meal perfect for any season. This protein-packed recipe combines tender, extra-lean beef stew meat, hearty pearled barley, and vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and green beans, all simmered in a savory low-sodium beef broth infused with aromatic thyme, oregano, and a hint of garlic. With its rich, slow-cooked flavors and wholesome ingredients, this soup is as comforting as it is nutritious, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a balanced, low-sodium option. Ready in just under two hours with minimal hands-on prep, it’s a satisfying dinner for the whole family. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a final burst of freshness and pair it with crusty whole-grain bread for the ultimate heart-healthy comfort meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound extra-lean beef stew meat, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 medium celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 0.75 cup pearled barley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2

2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

3. Add the sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 4

4. Return the beef to the pot. Add the low-sodium beef broth and water, stirring to combine.

Step 5

5. Stir in the pearled barley, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, ground black pepper, and salt.

Step 6

6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

7. After 1 hour, add the green beans to the soup. Continue to simmer, covered, for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the barley and vegetables are tender.

Step 8

8. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

Step 9

9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your heart-healthy hearty beef barley soup.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3173.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1559.3

Total Fat 38.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 294.8mg	0%
Sodium 2548.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 174.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.8g	0%
Total Sugars 23.4g
Protein 139.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 443.6mg	0%
Iron 21.2mg	0%
Potassium 4142.0mg	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: 21.5%

Protein: 34.9%

Carbs: 43.6%