Easy Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

September 16, 2025
Easy Beef and Barley Soup Recipe
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This Easy Beef and Barley Soup Recipe brings comfort to any table. Rich, hearty flavors combine with tender beef and nutritious barley.

Perfect for cold days when you need warming food. The soup fills your kitchen with amazing aromas. Family gatherings become special with this satisfying meal.

Making this Easy Beef and Barley Soup Recipe requires simple ingredients. Most items are already in your pantry. The cooking process is straightforward and beginner-friendly.

Even new cooks can master this recipe easily. Your family will ask for this soup repeatedly.

When I First Discovered This Recipe

My grandmother shared this Easy Beef and Barley Soup Recipe years ago. She made it every winter for our family. The smell always meant home and love.

I’ve perfected her original recipe over time. Now it’s my family’s favorite comfort food too.

Easy Beef and Barley Soup

Equipment List

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Ingredients List

  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 bay leaves

Step-by-Step Preparation

  • Heat oil in large pot over medium heat.
  • Add beef cubes and brown all sides completely.
  • Remove beef and set aside for later use.
  • Add onions to same pot and cook gently.
  • Cook until onions become soft and translucent.
  • Add garlic and cook for one minute more.
  • Return beef to pot with all vegetables.
  • Add broth, barley, and all seasonings together.
  • Bring mixture to a rolling boil quickly.
  • Reduce heat and simmer soup for 45 minutes.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
  • Remove bay leaves before serving the soup.

Recipe Tips

  1. Brown beef properly for deeper, richer flavor development.
  2. Use pearl barley instead of quick-cooking varieties.
  3. Add vegetables in stages for perfect texture.
  4. Season gradually and taste while cooking progresses.
  5. Let soup rest 10 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Easy Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

  • Crusty Bread: Fresh sourdough or French bread pairs perfectly. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth beautifully.
  • Green Salad: Light mixed greens balance the hearty soup. Add vinaigrette dressing for bright, fresh contrast.
  • Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory soup flavors. Serve warm with butter for best results.

Conclusion

This Easy Beef and Barley Soup Recipe delivers comfort in every bowl. Simple ingredients create extraordinary flavors that satisfy completely.

The recipe works perfectly for busy weeknight dinners. Make extra portions for delicious leftover lunches tomorrow. Your family will treasure this heartwarming soup recipe.

More Amazing Recipes

Easy Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

Easy Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

This Easy Beef and Barley Soup Recipe brings comfort to any table. Rich, hearty flavors combine with tender beef and nutritious barley.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb beef stew meat cubed
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in large pot over medium heat.
  • Add beef cubes and brown all sides completely.
  • Remove beef and set aside for later use.
  • Add onions to same pot and cook gently.
  • Cook until onions become soft and translucent.
  • Add garlic and cook for one minute more.
  • Return beef to pot with all vegetables.
  • Add broth, barley, and all seasonings together.
  • Bring mixture to a rolling boil quickly.
  • Reduce heat and simmer soup for 45 minutes.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
  • Remove bay leaves before serving the soup.

Notes

  1. Brown beef properly for deeper, richer flavor development.
  2. Use pearl barley instead of quick-cooking varieties.
  3. Add vegetables in stages for perfect texture.
  4. Season gradually and taste while cooking progresses.
  5. Let soup rest 10 minutes before serving.
Keyword Easy Beef and Barley Soup Recipe