What is beef barley soup made of?

Beef barley soup typically consists of beef (often stew meat), barley, vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and a flavorful broth seasoned with herbs and spices. Some variations may include tomatoes or potatoes.

Is beef barley soup healthy?

Yes, beef barley soup is generally considered healthy. It's packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the beef, barley, and vegetables. It's also relatively low in fat, depending on the cut of beef used.

What is the best barley to use for soup?

Pearl barley is the most common and readily available type of barley used in soups. It cooks relatively quickly and has a slightly softer texture than other varieties like hulled barley.

How do you thicken beef barley soup?

Beef barley soup naturally thickens as the barley cooks and releases starch. You can further thicken it by simmering uncovered to reduce the liquid, adding a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water), or mashing some of the cooked vegetables.

How long does beef barley soup last in the fridge?

Beef barley soup will typically last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can you freeze beef barley soup?

Yes, beef barley soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Beef Barley Soup That Tastes Just Like Grandma Made 2026

Name: Beef Barley Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-493972H15M10S
Total time: PT-493972H15M10S
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil; 1 ½ to 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into ¾-inch cubes; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 3 celery stalks, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 8 cups low-sodium beef broth; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Beef Barley Soup

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This hearty beef barley soup is a timeless bowl of comfort. It features tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and pearl barley simmered in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for a cozy family meal, it fills your home with a wonderful aroma and warms you from the inside out.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 1h 45min
Total Time: 2h 5min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: dinner
Method: simmering
Cuisine: Eastern European

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
1 ½ to 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into ¾-inch cubes
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
8 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear beef for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 6-8 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Pour in ½ cup beef broth to deglaze, scraping up browned bits from the pot bottom.
Return seared beef and any juices to the pot. Add remaining broth, bay leaves, thyme, and rinsed barley.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1 hour 15 minutes, until beef is tender and barley is soft.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce. Remove bay leaves. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute pearl barley with brown rice, wild rice, or quinoa (add quinoa in the last 20 minutes). Soup thickens as it sits; thin with broth or water when reheating if desired. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 450
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 4
Unsaturated Fat: 7
Trans Fat: 0.5
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 5
Protein: 24
Cholesterol: 60

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/beef-barley-soup/