Dive into the heartwarming goodness of Beef Barley Soup, a robust and hearty meal that combines the rich flavors of tender beef, plump barley, and an array of nutritious vegetables. This soup stands out not just for its delicious taste but also for its simplicity and convenience.
Perfect for making ahead, it freezes beautifully, ensuring a comforting and satisfying meal is never out of reach for you and your family. Let’s explore how to whip up this homemade delight that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
How to Prepare Beef Barley Soup
- Begin with Aromatics: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove. Cook until they soften and release their fragrances.
- Combine All Ingredients: To the pot, add 2 sliced carrots, 1 sliced rib of celery, 2 cups of cooked beef, 6 cups of reduced sodium beef broth, 1 can of petite diced tomatoes (14-15 oz, undrained), ½ diced green pepper, ⅔ cup barley, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 package of beef gravy mix, and 1 bay leaf. If you like, also add 2 tablespoons of red wine for an extra depth of flavor.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer covered for about 40-50 minutes, or until the barley is fully cooked and tender.
- Final Touches and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of your Beef Barley Soup.
Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 carrots
- 1 rib celery
- 2 cups cooked beef
- 6 cups reduced sodium beef broth
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes
- ½ green pepper diced
- ⅔ cup barley
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 package beef gravy mix
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons red wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: Warm up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Saute 1 chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove until they're soft and fragrant.
- Mix in Everything: To the softened onions and garlic, add the carrots, celery, cooked beef, beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, green pepper, barley, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, beef gravy mix, and bay leaf into the pot. Optionally, pour in 2 tablespoons of red wine for added richness.
- Let It Cook: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 40-50 minutes. Wait until the barley becomes soft and the soup thickens to your liking.
- Ready to Serve: Discard the bay leaf, then stir in the fresh or dried parsley. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Serve the soup warm for a comforting and fulfilling meal.
How to Store Beef Barley Soup
Beef Barley Soup is an excellent meal for those looking for make-ahead options. Once cooled, pour the soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove. Add a bit of beef broth or water if the soup has thickened too much upon reheating.
