Cozy Beef Barley Soup for Comforting Meals

Warm up with this wholesome, hearty beef barley soup! Bursting with tender beef, vegetables, and the nutty flavor of pearl barley, this recipe is perfect for cozy dinners and meal prep. Each spoonful is rich with comforting flavors and textures, making it a family favorite, especially during cold weather.

Ingredients:

For the Beef and Broth:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• 1 pound boneless beef chuck, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

Vegetables:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 3 celery stalks, sliced thinly
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Soup Base:

• 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed under cold water
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for serving)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to shimmer.
2. Pat the beef cubes dry with a paper towel (this ensures better searing) and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Add the beef cubes in a single layer to the pot, leaving space between each piece to brown properly. Sear on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
4. Remove the seared beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

5. Using the same pot (do not clean it—those browned bits add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
6. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the carrots and celery start to soften.
7. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring to avoid burning.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

8. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. This step releases incredible flavor into the soup base.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

9. Return the seared beef cubes to the pot along with the remaining beef broth.
10. Add the rinsed pearl barley, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Stir everything to combine.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

11. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar.
12. Simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender, the barley is plump and soft, and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Step 6: Final Touches

13. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, as needed. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

14. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright and fresh finishing touch. Serve with warm crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.

Cooking Tips:

• For Deeper Flavor: Use a mix of beef broth and chicken broth for a lighter, more nuanced flavor.
• Barley Substitute: If you don’t have pearl barley, farro or rice can work as substitutes, though the cooking time may vary.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Information:

• ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• 🔥 Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
• 🍽️ Servings: 6 bowls of hearty soup