Lentil Soup with Beef and Barley

Discover the hearty comfort of Lentil Soup with Beef and Barley, a soul-warming dish perfect for chilly days and family gatherings. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of tender beef, protein-packed lentils, and nutty pearl barley in a rich broth infused with aromatic herbs like thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Diced tomatoes and a medley of sautéed vegetables—carrots, celery, and onions—add layers of flavor and texture, while a slow simmer ensures melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Ready in just over 90 minutes, this one-pot meal is both wholesome and satisfying, making it ideal for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright, herby finish, and serve steaming hot for a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the rinsed lentils, barley, canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), and beef broth.

Step 6

Return the browned beef to the pot.

Step 7

Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 75-90 minutes, or until the beef, lentils, and barley are tender.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3138.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2300.6

Total Fat 114.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.3g
Cholesterol 416.5mg	0%
Sodium 8768.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 147.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.5g	0%
Total Sugars 30.7g
Protein 165.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 530.7mg	0%
Iron 28.9mg	0%
Potassium 4989.4mg	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: 45.1%

Protein: 29.0%

Carbs: 25.8%