Warm, hearty, and nourishing, this homemade beef barley soup brings comfort in every spoonful. It's packed with tender chunks of beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of colorful vegetables, making it an ideal meal for chilly days or whenever you crave a satisfying, wholesome dish.
Photos of Homemade Beef Barley Soup Recipe
If you’re heading to the supermarket, keep an eye out for a few ingredients that might not always be in your pantry. Worcestershire sauce adds a complex umami flavor to the soup, while barley gives it a nutty texture. Don’t forget the beef gravy mix for an extra rich depth, and a splash of red wine for enhanced flavor.
Ingredients Needed for Homemade Beef Barley Soup
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a rich base flavor.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
Garlic clove: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor.
Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
Celery stalk: Contributes to the overall flavor and texture.
Beef: The star of the dish, providing robust flavor and protein.
Beef broth: The liquid base that carries the flavors of the soup.
Petite diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and sweetness.
Green pepper: Adds a mild, sweet flavor and vibrant color.
Barley: A grain that gives the soup a chewy texture and nutty flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami flavor of the soup.
Dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
Beef gravy mix: Thickens the soup and adds rich beef flavor.
Bay leaf: Infuses the soup with a subtle aromatic quality.
Red wine: Adds depth and richness to the flavor.
Parsley: Freshens up the soup with a mild, herbaceous note.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and complexity.
One reader, Burg Looney says:
This homemade beef barley soup is a comforting delight! The flavors meld beautifully, and the barley adds a perfect texture. It's hearty, delicious, and easy to make. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Homemade Beef Barley Soup
How to cook onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until they are softened and translucent. How to chop vegetables: Dice the carrots, celery, and green pepper into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. How to prepare beef: Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces if not already done. Ensure the beef is trimmed of excess fat. How to simmer: After bringing the soup to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it cook gently for 40 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is tender. How to remove bay leaf: Once the soup is done cooking, locate the bay leaf and remove it from the pot before serving.
How To Make Homemade Beef Barley Soup
Serve a delicious bowl of barley soup for dinner! This soup has beef, carrots, celery, and tomatoes, and is seasoned with various spices and aromatic herbs.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1onion,chopped
- 1garlic clove,minced
- 2carrots,sliced
- 1celery stalk,sliced
- 2cupsbeef,cooked
- 6cupsbeef broth,reduced sodium
- 15ozpetite diced tomatoes,(1 can), undrained
- ½green pepper,diced
- ⅔cupbarley
- 1tbspWorcestershire sauce
- ¼tspdried thyme
- beef gravy mix,1 package
- 1bay leaf
- 2tbspred wine,optional
- 2tbspparsley,fresh, or 2 tsp dried
- salt and pepper,to taste
Instructions
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Cook the onions and garlic in oil over medium heat until softened.
-
Add the carrot, celery, beef, beef broth, diced tomatoes, green pepper, barley, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, gravy mix, bay leave, red wine, parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, then simmer covered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the barley is cooked.
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Remove the bay leaf, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
The soup may thicken upon cooling. Just add extra broth (or water) to reach the desired consistency if this occurs.
Nutrition
- Calories: 169.89kcal
- Fat: 4.14g
- Saturated Fat: 1.12g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.27g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.56g
- Carbohydrates: 20.13g
- Fiber: 4.88g
- Sugar: 4.33g
- Protein: 14.03g
- Cholesterol: 22.05mg
- Sodium: 782.66mg
- Calcium: 63.34mg
- Potassium: 774.26mg
- Iron: 2.56mg
- Vitamin A: 145.90µg
- Vitamin C: 16.46mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing the Flavor of Beef Barley Soup
To enhance the flavor of your beef barley soup, consider browning the beef before adding it to the pot. This caramelizes the surface of the meat and adds a rich, deep flavor to the soup. Simply heat a bit of olive oil in your pot, add the beef, and cook until all sides are browned before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Beef Barley Soup
Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in advance and store them in airtight containers.
Use pre-cooked beef: Opt for pre-cooked or leftover beef to cut down on cooking time.
Instant barley: Substitute regular barley with quick-cooking barley to reduce simmering time.
Pre-made broth: Use store-bought beef broth to save time on making your own.
One-pot method: Cook everything in one pot to minimize cleanup and streamline the process.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Beef Barley Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder taste and can add a slightly sweet flavor.
garlic clove - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove to maintain the garlic flavor.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and a slightly sweeter taste.
celery stalk - Substitute with fennel stalk: Fennel provides a similar crunch with a slight anise flavor.
beef - Substitute with chicken: Chicken can provide a lighter protein option while still being hearty.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option with a rich flavor.
petite diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can provide a similar texture and flavor.
green pepper - Substitute with red pepper: Red peppers are sweeter and can add a different color to the dish.
barley - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa cooks faster and is a good source of protein.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Oregano has a robust flavor that can complement the soup.
beef gravy mix - Substitute with cornstarch and beef bouillon: Cornstarch can thicken the soup, and beef bouillon can add the beef flavor.
bay leaf - Substitute with dried basil: Basil can add a different but complementary herbal note.
red wine - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar can provide acidity and depth of flavor.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can add a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness and umami.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used similarly.
Presenting Your Homemade Beef Barley Soup
Serve in a deep, elegant bowl: Choose a pristine white bowl to contrast with the rich colors of the beef barley soup. This will make the dish visually appealing and highlight the hearty ingredients.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Finely chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the soup just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh aroma that complements the flavors.
Add a swirl of cream: Drizzle a small amount of heavy cream in a circular motion on top of the soup. Use a toothpick to create a beautiful marbled effect, adding a touch of elegance.
Include a side of artisan bread: Serve the soup with a slice of warm, crusty artisan bread on the side. This not only enhances the dining experience but also provides a delightful texture contrast.
Use a bay leaf as a decorative element: Place a single, whole bay leaf on the surface of the soup for a sophisticated touch. Ensure it is removed before eating, but it adds a visual cue to the dish's aromatic depth.
Highlight the vegetables: Ensure that the carrots, celery, and green pepper are cut uniformly and are visible in the soup. This showcases the care taken in preparation and adds vibrant colors to the presentation.
Serve with a small glass of red wine: Pair the soup with a small glass of the same red wine used in the recipe. This creates a cohesive dining experience and enhances the flavors of the dish.
Use a high-quality ladle: When serving, use a high-quality, polished ladle to pour the soup into the bowl. This ensures a clean presentation and avoids any spills or drips on the bowl's rim.
Add a touch of grated cheese: Lightly grate some Parmesan cheese over the soup just before serving. This adds a subtle umami flavor and a touch of sophistication.
Present with a clean, crisp napkin: Place a neatly folded, crisp white napkin beside the bowl. This adds a touch of class and ensures that the presentation is as refined as the flavors of the soup.
Essential Tools for Making Beef Barley Soup
Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and meat.
Chef's knife: Essential for dicing onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and green pepper.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and red wine accurately.
Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the beef broth and barley.
Large pot: Used to cook the soup and combine all the ingredients.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients as they cook.
Ladle: Useful for serving the soup into bowls.
Can opener: Needed to open the can of petite diced tomatoes.
Mixing bowl: Handy for holding prepped ingredients before adding them to the pot.
Meat thermometer: Useful for ensuring the beef is cooked to a safe temperature.
Tongs: Helpful for handling the beef pieces while cooking.
Colander: Useful for rinsing the barley before adding it to the soup.
Peeler: Needed for peeling the carrots before chopping.
Grater: Optional, but can be used to finely grate garlic if you prefer it over mincing.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Beef Barley Soup
Allow the beef barley soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to spoilage.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making the soup even more delicious.
When reheating refrigerated soup, ensure it reaches a temperature of 165°F (74°C) to maintain food safety.
To freeze the soup, ladle it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing. Label the containers with the date and contents for easy reference.
If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Lay the bags flat in the freezer for efficient storage and quicker thawing.
Beef barley soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without compromising its quality or flavor.
To thaw frozen soup, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight. Alternatively, you can place the frozen container in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until the soup has thawed.
Reheat thawed soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a temperature of 165°F (74°C). Adjust the seasoning if needed, as flavors may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider cooking the barley separately and adding it to the soup upon reheating. This will prevent the barley from becoming mushy due to extended cooking times.
How To Reheat Leftover Beef Barley Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover beef barley soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is evenly reheated without scorching or burning.
Microwave method: pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large quantity of leftover soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker, cover it, and heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until the soup is heated through. This method is convenient if you want to reheat the soup without constantly monitoring it.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with a lid or aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
Thawing frozen soup: if you have frozen leftover beef barley soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, use any of the above methods to reheat the soup. Avoid thawing the soup at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
Random Fact About Beef Barley Soup
A random fact about this beef barley soup recipe is that barley is an ancient grain that has been cultivated for over 10,000 years. It adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture to the soup, while also being a great source of fiber and essential nutrients.
Is Making Beef Barley Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This homemade beef barley soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of basic ingredients like onion, carrots, celery, and barley keeps the cost low, while the addition of beef and beef broth adds richness without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is Beef Barley Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
The homemade beef barley soup recipe is a nutritious and hearty meal that offers several health benefits. The recipe includes a variety of vegetables such as onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and green peppers, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Beef is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc, while barley is a whole grain that is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The use of beef broth and diced tomatoes adds flavor and additional nutrients to the soup.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use lean cuts of beef to reduce the amount of saturated fat in the soup
- Increase the amount of vegetables to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of salt and use low-sodium beef broth to control sodium intake
- Use whole grain barley instead of pearled barley to increase the fiber content
- Add more herbs and spices, such as rosemary or basil, to enhance the flavor without adding extra salt
To make the soup even more nutritious, you could also consider adding some additional ingredients:
- Leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, to increase the vitamin and mineral content
- Legumes, such as lentils or chickpeas, to boost the protein and fiber content
- Mushrooms, which are low in calories and high in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds
- Turmeric or ginger, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can add a unique flavor to the soup
Editor's Thoughts on This Hearty Beef Barley Soup Recipe
This beef barley soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. The combination of tender beef, nutritious barley, and a medley of vegetables creates a well-balanced meal. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and red wine adds depth and richness to the broth. However, consider browning the beef before adding it to the pot to enhance its flavor. Also, using fresh thyme instead of dried could elevate the dish further. Overall, it's a robust and satisfying soup that can be a staple in your culinary repertoire.
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Why trust this Homemade Beef Barley Soup Recipe:
This homemade beef barley soup recipe is a tried-and-true classic that combines hearty beef and nutritious barley with a medley of fresh vegetables. The addition of red wine and Worcestershire sauce adds depth and richness, while the bay leaf and thyme infuse the soup with aromatic flavors. Simmered to perfection, this comforting dish is perfect for any occasion. Trust this recipe for its balanced ingredients and straightforward instructions, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
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