Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

Dive into the comforting warmth of Hearty Beef and Barley Soup, a soul-soothing one-pot meal perfect for chilly days. Tender chunks of stewing beef, hearty pearl barley, and a medley of aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery simmer together in a rich, flavorful beef broth infused with garlic, thyme, and a hint of bay leaf. This satisfying soup is made even better with minimal prep and simmering to perfection, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time. Whether served as a nourishing weeknight dinner or a meal-prep staple, this classic recipe is packed with protein, wholesome grains, and homestyle charm. Garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, every spoonful is a heartening embrace—perfectly paired with crusty bread for dipping. Make this beef barley soup your ultimate go-to for comfort food that feeds both body and soul.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound stewing beef (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 3 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
• 2 medium celery stalks (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 6 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 null bay leaf
• 0.75 cup pearl barley (rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the stewing beef with salt and black pepper. Add it to the pot and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the beef broth and water. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 6

Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, and pearl barley. Stir to mix everything together.

Step 7

Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 75-90 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.

Step 8

Once done, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2852 grams (2852.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1785

Total Fat 123.00g	158%
Saturated Fat 42.50g	213%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.80g
Cholesterol 318mg	106%
Sodium 8084mg	351%
Total Carbohydrate 68.70g	25%
Dietary Fiber 11.50g	41%
Total Sugars 10.40g
Protein 109.70g	219%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 283mg	22%
Iron 16mg	90%
Potassium 2718mg	58%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.8%

Protein: 24.1%

Carbs: 15.1%