This hearty Beef Barley Soup is the perfect comfort food as it's rich, filling, and full of savory flavor. Made with stew meat, tender vegetables, and pearl barley simmered in a flavorful broth, it’s a wholesome meal that warms you from the inside out. Ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prep, this soup is simple to make and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- (2 cups) Grass-fed Stew Meat
- (1 tablespoon) Olive oil
- (1) Onion, chopped
- (1 clove) Garlic, minced
- (2) Carrots, sliced
- (1 rib) Celery, sliced
- (6 cups) Reduced-sodium beef broth
- (1 can (14.5 oz)) Petite diced tomatoes with juice
- (1/2) Green bell pepper, diced
- (2/3 cup) Pearl barley
- (1 tablespoon) Worcestershire sauce
- (1/4 teaspoon) Dried thyme
- (1 packet) Beef gravy mix
- (1) Bay leaf
- (2 tablespoons) Red wine (optional)
- (2 tablespoons) Fresh parsley, chopped
- (To taste) Salt and black pepper
Directions
-
Cook the Stew Meat: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Throw in the stew meat and cook it until brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in carrots, celery, stew meat, broth, diced tomatoes with juices, green pepper, barley, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, gravy mix, bay leaf, and red wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40–50 minutes or until the barley is tender and the flavors have blended together.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy warm with crusty bread or crackers for a complete and comforting meal.
Tips & Serving Ideas
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Add more veggies: Try adding mushrooms, corn, or peas for extra heartiness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Healthy swap: Use lean Circle J beef and low-sodium broth for a lighter version.
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