Beef and Barley Soup

A cozy classic that deserves a spot in your regular rotation, this Beef and Barley Soup is hearty, budget-friendly, and packed with wholesome ingredients… but there’s no compromise on comfort – this soup is just as satisfying as any slow-cooked stew that takes all day!

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Cooking this may result in one of those “the house smells incredible” moments. When I first made it, the whole family wandered into the kitchen asking when dinner was ready… and it had only been simmering for an hour! 😂 This Beef and Barley Soup is rich, savory and deeply warming – the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, except you made it from simple pantry staples… and didn’t need any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup brings big comfort without being fussy.

Deep hearty flavor: Chuck beef softens as it cooks and flavors the broth fully.

Filling and balanced: Barley adds chew and makes the bowl satisfying.

Simple ingredients: Everything feels familiar and easy to find.

Great leftovers: The flavor gets better after a night in the fridge.

One pot cooking: Everything builds in layers in the same pot.

Cold weather favorite: Perfect for cozy dinners and quiet nights.

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 1/2 lbs chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups onion, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 tbsp garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp tomato paste
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef in batches so it browns instead of steaming. Let each piece sit for a moment before turning. This step builds flavor that carries through the whole soup. Remove beef and set aside once browned.

2. Cook the Vegetables

Using the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Stir gently and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onions turn lightly golden. Add garlic and stir for about thirty seconds until fragrant.

3. Build the Base

Stir tomato paste into the vegetables and let it cook for a full minute. The color should darken slightly. This helps remove any sharp taste and adds richness to the soup.

4. Add Liquids and Seasoning

Pour in beef broth slowly while stirring. Add Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Return the browned beef to the pot and mix everything together.

5. Simmer with Barley

Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Stir in the pearl barley, then lower heat to a steady simmer. Cover partially and let cook for about forty five minutes. Stir occasionally so the barley does not stick.

6. Finish and Rest

Once the beef feels tender and the barley turns soft but chewy, turn off the heat. Remove the bay leaf and stir in parsley. Let the soup rest for ten minutes before serving so flavors settle.

Tips and Variations

• Cut beef evenly so it cooks at the same pace.
• Stir barley now and then to keep texture right.
• Add extra broth if soup thickens too much.
• Season again at the end after resting.
• Let leftovers cool fully before storing.

Serving Suggestions

Beef and Barley Soup pairs well with simple sides. Crusty bread works great for dipping. A small green salad adds freshness. This soup also stands strong on its own for lunch the next day.

When serving guests, I sprinkle extra parsley on top and bring the pot straight to the table. It feels warm and welcoming every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Yes it stores well and tastes better the next day.

How long does it keep?

Up to four days in the fridge in a sealed container.

Does barley expand more?

Yes it absorbs liquid as it sits.

Can I freeze it?

Yes though barley softens slightly after thawing.

How do I reheat it?

Warm gently on the stove with extra broth.

Final Thoughts

Beef and Barley Soup feels steady, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Tender beef, chewy barley, and rich broth come together in a way that feels timeless and grounding.

This is the kind of soup that fills the house with warmth and makes dinner feel calm again. It always delivers comfort with every spoonful.