Warm up your soul with a bowl of the Best Ever Beef and Barley Soup. This hearty and comforting dish combines tender beef, wholesome barley, and an array of vegetables in a flavorful broth. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a pot of soup that’s not only delicious but also a perfect choice for chilly days or when you’re in need of a nourishing meal.

The Best Ever Beef and Barley Soup is a classic that brings together the heartiness of beef, the nuttiness of barley, and the goodness of vegetables. This timeless recipe is known for its rich flavor and ability to warm you from the inside out—a true bowl of comfort.

Ingredients: Building Layers of Flavor

For the Soup:

1 pound beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups beef broth
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Additions:

1 cup frozen peas
1 cup chopped green beans

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting a Bowl of Comfort

1. Brown the Beef:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef stew meat on all sides until nicely seared. Remove the beef and set it aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables:

In the same pot, add diced onions, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Beef Back In:

Return the browned beef to the pot, and stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables.

4. Pour in Broth:

Add beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Add Barley:

Once boiling, stir in the rinsed pearl barley. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes or until the barley is tender and the beef is cooked through.

6. Optional Vegetables:

If adding frozen peas or green beans, stir them into the soup during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

7. Check Seasoning and Remove Bay Leaves:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving.

8. Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the Best Ever Beef and Barley Soup into bowls, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Perfect Beef and Barley Soup: Mastering the Art of Comfort

Beef Selection: Choose a well-marbled beef stew meat for added flavor and tenderness.
Barley Choices: Opt for pearl barley, which cooks faster than hulled barley and is commonly used in soups.
Vegetable Variations: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables, such as potatoes, green peas, or green beans.
Broth Matters: Use a high-quality beef broth or homemade stock for the best flavor. Low-sodium broth allows better control of the soup’s saltiness.
Make-Ahead Option: This soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld, making it an excellent make-ahead option.
Freezing: Beef and Barley Soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
Reheating: When reheating, you might need to add a little extra broth or water as barley tends to absorb liquid over time.

In conclusion, the Best Ever Beef and Barley Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a bowl of cozy satisfaction. With its tender beef, wholesome barley, and aromatic broth, this soup offers comfort and nourishment in every spoonful. So, embrace the tradition of hearty soups, gather your ingredients, and savor the warmth of this timeless and comforting dish.

BEST EVER BEEF AND BARLEY SOUP