Rich Beef and Barley Soup

Warm your soul with a steaming bowl of rich beef and barley soup, a hearty classic that’s perfect for cool evenings. This comforting recipe combines tender chunks of seared beef, wholesome pearl barley, and a medley of vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas, all simmered to perfection in a savory beef broth infused with thyme and bay leaves. A touch of tomato paste deepens the flavor, while fresh parsley adds a vibrant garnish. Ready in under two hours, this one-pot wonder is brimming with flavor and nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying family meal. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and cozy dining experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds beef chuck or stew meat
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 8 cups beef broth
• 0.75 cup pearl barley
• 2 pieces bay leaves
• 3 pieces fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Cut the beef chuck or stew meat into bite-sized cubes and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to medium and add the second tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Return the seared beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Add the pearl barley, bay leaves, fresh thyme sprigs, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.

Step 7

During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas to heat through.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3399.7 grams (3399.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2943

Total Fat 171.80g	220%
Saturated Fat 61.60g	308%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.80g
Cholesterol 544mg	181%
Sodium 10264mg	446%
Total Carbohydrate 185.50g	67%
Dietary Fiber 43.30g	155%
Total Sugars 30.30g
Protein 181.10g	362%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 462mg	36%
Iron 30mg	169%
Potassium 5184mg	110%

*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: 51.3%

Protein: 24.0%

Carbs: 24.6%