BEEF AND BARLEY SOUP

Beef Barley Soup: A Hearty, Comforting Meal for Cold Days

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. Beef Barley Soup is a classic choice that is both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal. This version is made with ground beef, tender vegetables, and hearty barley, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a great alternative to the more common chicken noodle or turkey meatball soups and is sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is simple, quick, and makes for a filling meal that can easily be prepared in under an hour.

Ingredients

For this Beef Barley Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (or ground beef if preferred)

1 1/2 cups carrots, thinly sliced

1 1/2 cups celery, thinly sliced

2/3 cup onion, chopped

1 package (8 oz) pre-sliced mushrooms

2 tablespoons beef base (a concentrated beef flavoring, different from beef broth)

8-10 cups water

1 large bay leaf

Salt and pepper, to taste

2/3 cup pearl barley (optional, for added texture and heartiness)

2 cloves garlic, minced (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a delicious Beef Barley Soup:

Prepare the Beef:

Start by browning the beef. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the beef pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Browning the beef adds a rich, deep flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and transfer it to your slow cooker or crockpot.

Combine Vegetables and Broth:

In the same pan, add the chopped carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms. Sauté them for a few minutes to begin releasing their flavors. Then, transfer them into the crockpot with the beef.

Add the beef base, water, garlic (if using), and the bay leaf to the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine.

Cook the Soup:

Cook the soup on high heat for about one hour to allow the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld. After the first hour, add the pearl barley and reduce the heat to low.

Continue cooking the soup on low for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender, the barley is fully cooked, and the vegetables are soft. Stir occasionally, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finish the Soup:

Once the soup is ready, remove and discard the bay leaf.

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. If the soup is too thick, you can add more water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.

Serve and Enjoy!

Cooking Tips for Beef Barley Soup

Use a Tough Cut of Meat:

While it might be tempting to use a lean cut of beef, this is the perfect recipe to use tougher cuts like chuck roast or beef shoulder. These cuts contain more fat and connective tissue, which break down during slow cooking, making the meat tender and flavorful. Using inexpensive cuts will not only save you money but also enhance the richness of the soup.

Browning the Beef:

Browning the beef adds an extra layer of flavor to the soup. While it’s not strictly necessary, it deepens the taste and gives a slightly caramelized note to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but don’t expect the same depth of flavor.

Barley Variations:

Pearl barley is commonly used in soups, but if you’re looking for a different texture, you can experiment with other grains like farro or quinoa. Just note that different grains may require varying cooking times.

Vegetable Options:

Feel free to get creative with the vegetables. You can swap out the mushrooms for zucchini or add in some green beans, peas, or parsnips. Root vegetables like turnips or rutabaga also make excellent additions and will add more variety to the flavor profile.

Add Extra Herbs and Spices:

Consider enhancing the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Adding a pinch of dried herbs or a dash of soy sauce can elevate the umami profile of the soup. For an extra kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.

Add Fresh Greens:

Stir in some fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and color. This will also add a subtle freshness to balance the richness of the beef and barley.

Storage Instructions

This Beef Barley Soup is perfect for meal prepping and can easily be stored for future meals.

Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer the soup to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, leaving a little room for expansion. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

If the soup has thickened too much during freezing, simply add a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Beef Barley Soup is a complete meal in itself, but you can enhance the dining experience with a few simple sides:

Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough.

The bread will be perfect for dipping into the hearty broth and soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Side Salad: Pair your soup with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the dish. A light vinaigrette dressing complements the soup’s savory flavors well.

Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar on top of each bowl for a cheesy finish that adds even more flavor.

Pickles or Relish: If you like a bit of tang, serve the soup with pickles or a tangy relish. The acidity will cut through the richness of the soup and create a nice contrast of flavors.

Conclusion

Beef Barley Soup is the perfect dish for anyone seeking a hearty, nutritious, and comforting meal. With its tender beef, wholesome barley, and flavorful broth, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can easily be made in an hour.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing it for meal prep, this soup is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

By using simple, budget-friendly ingredients like chuck roast and pearl barley, you can create a dish that’s both rich in flavor and easy on the wallet.

So, the next time you need a cozy, satisfying meal, give this Beef Barley Soup a try – it’s an easy way to bring a little warmth to any cold day.