This beef barley soup recipe uses tender stew beef and wholesome barley. It’s a comforting meal perfect for a cool evening, featuring a rich broth and root vegetables.

Time: 60 min
👥 Servings: 6-8
📊 Level: Easy
🥗 10 ingredients
Hearty Beef & Barley Soup - beef barley - Beef barley soup: savor this hearty, wholesome recipe perfect for chilly evenings. Tender beef and rich broth make it

Hearty Beef & Barley Soup

Beef barley soup: savor this hearty, wholesome recipe perfect for chilly evenings. Tender beef and rich broth make it an instant favorite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb beef chuck roast (cut into large bite-size pieces)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • kosher salt and ground pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 1 large onion (diced)
  • 2 celery stalks (chopped)
  • 2 large carrots (peeled and sliced diagonally)
  • 8 oz button mushrooms (halved or quartered)
  • 12 oz white potatoes (peeled and cut into 1″ cubes)
  • 8 cups low sodium beef broth

Method
 

  1. Coat the beef pieces with cornstarch and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the beef pieces and cook, in 2 batches, until golden on both sides. Set aside.
  4. To the dutch oven, sauté the onion, celery, and carrots for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add in the remaining ingredients together with the beef chunks.
  6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a low, and cook partially covered, for 30-40 minutes.
  7. When done, beef and veggies should be tender.
  8. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs, if desired, and serve.

Notes

– To ensure tender beef, do not rush the simmering process; slow cooking is key for breaking down the chuck roast.
– For a richer flavor, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can steam the meat instead of searing it.
– Store leftover beef barley soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
– Cook beef chuck roast until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and allow it to rest for 3 minutes before cutting, though in soup, it will continue to tenderize during simmering.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

  • To ensure tender beef, do not rush the simmering process; slow cooking is key for breaking down the chuck roast.
  • For a richer flavor, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can steam the meat instead of searing it.
  • Store leftover beef barley soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Cook beef chuck roast until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and allow it to rest for 3 minutes before cutting, though in soup, it will continue to tenderize during simmering.

This beef barley soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth and nourishment. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for varied flavors, and don’t hesitate to share your own variations!

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