Nif's Hearty Healthy Beef Barley Soup

Warm up with a bowl of Nif's Hearty Healthy Beef Barley Soup, a nourishing and satisfying one-pot wonder perfect for any season. This wholesome recipe combines tender chunks of stewing beef seared to perfection, hearty pearl barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, all simmered in a richly flavored low-sodium beef broth. Enhanced with aromatic thyme, garlic, and a touch of tomato paste for depth, this soup offers balanced nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Ready in just over an hour, it's the ultimate make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve it steaming hot for a truly comforting experience. Perfect for meal prep and loaded with fiber and protein, this beef barley soup is a deliciously healthy choice that the whole family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound stewing beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 8 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.75 cups pearl barley
• 0.25 cups fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Season the stewing beef with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the pot. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly.

Step 5

Pour in the beef broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the beef to the pot.

Step 6

Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and pearl barley. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 60-70 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the beef is cooked through.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf before serving and garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, healthy beef barley soup!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3036.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2237.9

Total Fat 125.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 317.5mg	0%
Sodium 3995.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 169.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.7g	0%
Total Sugars 20.8g
Protein 120.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 463.7mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 4286.4mg	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: 49.4%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 29.6%