Beef Barley Soup
November 26, 2025 • 0 comments
This hearty Beef Barley Soup is the perfect comfort food as it's rich, filling, and full of savory flavor. Made with stew meat, tender vegetables, and pearl barley simmered in a flavorful broth, it’s a wholesome meal that warms you from the inside out. Ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prep, this soup is simple to make and deeply satisfying.
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
- (2 cups) Grass-fed Stew Meat
- (1 tablespoon) Olive oil
- (1) Onion, chopped
- (1 clove) Garlic, minced
- (2) Carrots, sliced
- (1 rib) Celery, sliced
- (6 cups) Reduced-sodium beef broth
- (1 can (14.5 oz)) Petite diced tomatoes with juice
- (1/2) Green bell pepper, diced
- (2/3 cup) Pearl barley
- (1 tablespoon) Worcestershire sauce
- (1/4 teaspoon) Dried thyme
- (1 packet) Beef gravy mix
- (1) Bay leaf
- (2 tablespoons) Red wine (optional)
- (2 tablespoons) Fresh parsley, chopped
- (To taste) Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Cook the Stew Meat: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Throw in the stew meat and cook it until brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in carrots, celery, stew meat, broth, diced tomatoes with juices, green pepper, barley, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, gravy mix, bay leaf, and red wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40–50 minutes or until the barley is tender and the flavors have blended together.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy warm with crusty bread or crackers for a complete and comforting meal.
Tips & Serving Ideas
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Add more veggies: Try adding mushrooms, corn, or peas for extra heartiness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Healthy swap: Use lean Circle J beef and low-sodium broth for a lighter version.
