Simple Beef and Barley Soup

Cozy up with a hearty bowl of Simple Beef and Barley Soup, a comfort food classic that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. This one-pot wonder combines tender, seared beef, nutty pearled barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, all simmered in a rich, herb-infused beef broth. The hints of dried thyme, rosemary, and a single aromatic bay leaf elevate the soup, making it irresistibly savory. Perfect for a chilly evening, this wholesome soup is ready in just over an hour and serves six, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or family dinners. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal brightness before serving this soul-warming, protein-packed dish. Whether you’re searching for a classic beef soup recipe, a healthy barley soup for dinner, or simple meal prep ideas, this satisfying recipe checks all the boxes.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

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 pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 0.75 cups pearled barley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Return the seared beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth.

Step 6

Stir in the pearled barley, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and the bay leaf.

Step 7

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, or until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf and discard it.

Step 9

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 10

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2983.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2217.6

Total Fat 125.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 43.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 317.5mg	0%
Sodium 10017.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 156.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.0g	0%
Total Sugars 17.7g
Protein 127.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 382.6mg	0%
Iron 21.4mg	0%
Potassium 3878.3mg	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: 49.9%

Protein: 22.5%

Carbs: 27.6%