Mushroom Barley and Beef Soup

Warm up with a hearty bowl of Mushroom Barley and Beef Soup, a comforting classic that's rich in flavor and deeply satisfying. This robust soup combines tender chunks of seared stew beef, earthy sliced mushrooms, and chewy pearl barley simmered to perfection in a rich beef broth infused with fragrant thyme and a savory blend of garlic, onion, carrots, and celery. A long, slow simmer ensures the beef is incredibly tender while the barley soaks up all the flavors, creating a wholesome, filling dish ideal for chilly evenings. With a cook time of just over an hour, this soup is as nourishing as it is effortless to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and serve with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of this deliciously rustic soup.

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 stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 0.75 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture.

Step 5

Return the beef to the pot, then add the beef broth, pearl barley, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.

Step 7

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 8

Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3296.3 grams (3296.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1926

Total Fat 125.10g	160%
Saturated Fat 43.20g	216%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.80g
Cholesterol 318mg	106%
Sodium 10064mg	438%
Total Carbohydrate 89.20g	32%
Dietary Fiber 19.70g	70%
Total Sugars 21.90g
Protein 119.30g	239%

Vitamin D 23IU	114%
Calcium 372mg	29%
Iron 20mg	111%
Potassium 4409mg	94%

*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: 57.4%

Protein: 24.3%

Carbs: 18.2%