Soup Kitchen's Beef Barley Soup

Warm, hearty, and brimming with rich, comforting flavors, Soup Kitchen’s Beef Barley Soup is the ultimate one-pot meal to soothe your soul. This classic recipe combines tender chunks of seared stewing beef, wholesome pearl barley, and a medley of aromatic vegetables including carrots, celery, and onions, all simmered to perfection in a savory beef broth infused with garlic, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. A touch of tomato paste adds depth and balance, while the slow cooking process ensures a deeply developed flavor in every spoonful. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prep, this satisfying soup is a celebration of traditional comfort food, best served with crusty bread or crackers. Bursting with protein, fiber, and bold, hearty goodness, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 leaves dried bay leaves
• 8 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 0.75 cups pearl barley, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it dissolves evenly.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 7

After 60 minutes, add the rinsed pearl barley to the pot and stir well. Continue simmering for an additional 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2935.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1872.2

Total Fat 124.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 43.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 317.5mg	0%
Sodium 9942.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 81.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.4g	0%
Total Sugars 16.8g
Protein 112.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 340.7mg	0%
Iron 19.8mg	0%
Potassium 3567.2mg	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: 59.1%

Protein: 23.7%

Carbs: 17.1%