Beef Barley Soup: A Hearty, Nutritious Classic
Beef barley soup is a timeless comfort food, packed with tender beef, chewy barley, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, savory broth. This hearty soup is perfect for warming up on a cold day or providing a wholesome meal that satisfies the whole family. The blend of textures and flavors makes it a go-to recipe for those who love a filling and nutritious dish.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Beef Barley Soup from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 ½ lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth (or a combination of broth and water)
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium potato, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
