Description
This Hearty Beef and Barley Soup is the perfect comfort food, packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and a variety of vegetables. It’s a filling, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for colder days. Simple to make and full of cozy warmth!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add beef back to the pot along with barley, beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and water. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
- If using, stir in frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- You can make the soup ahead of time; it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water added.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour