Beef Barley Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Meal

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s both filling and nutritious, this Beef Barley Soup is a winner.

Made with tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and hearty barley, it’s a simple yet satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners.

Not only is it easy to make, but it also reheats beautifully, making it the perfect choice for leftovers or meal prep!

Ready in just 1 hour, this soup will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

For Beef Barley Soup

Beef – The star of the dish, providing rich, savory flavor.

Mushrooms – Adds earthiness and depth to the soup.

Carrot – Adds sweetness and color.

Yellow Onion – Provides a savory base for the soup.

Bay Leaves – Adds aromatic depth and flavor.

Garlic– Infuses the soup with rich, savory notes.

Beef Broth – The base liquid for the soup, making it hearty and rich.

Barley – Adds a wholesome, chewy texture that complements the beef.

Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the soup.

Pepper – Balances the dish with a little heat and seasoning.

Beef Barley Soup

Craving a warm, hearty meal that’s both nourishing and easy to make? This Beef Barley Soup is the perfect solution! Packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and savory vegetables, it’s a comforting one-pot dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Print Pin

Course: main dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Beef Barley Soup

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 1

Total Time: 1 20

Servings: servings

Notes

Ingredients

2 tbsp oil
2 lb beef, cut into cubes
8 oz mushrooms, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 yellow onion, diced
3 bay leaves
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups beef broth
1/2 cup barley
1 tbsp salt (or to taste)
1 tsp pepper (or to taste)

Instructions:

Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef cubes.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion, chopped carrot, and mushrooms to the pot.
- Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are slightly golden.
Add Seasonings:
- Stir in the garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in the beef broth, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes.
Add the Barley:
- Add the barley and continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes, or until the barley is fully cooked.
Serve:
- Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Save

Can I make Beef Barley Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! This soup actually gets even better after a day or two as the flavors have more time to develop. Simply make it ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s the perfect meal prep dish for busy days!

How should I store leftover Beef Barley Soup?

For leftovers, just cool the soup completely, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Want to keep it longer? It freezes really well! Just pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Brown the beef first for extra flavor (optional), then toss all the ingredients in your slow cooker. Set it on low for 7-8 hours, or high for 4-5 hours. You’ll have a rich, hearty soup waiting for you with minimal effort.

What’s the best type of beef for this soup?

Chuck roast or stew meat is ideal. These cuts are super flavorful and tender when cooked low and slow. If you have ground beef on hand, that works too! Just make sure to brown it first before adding to the soup for the best flavor.

How do I keep the barley from absorbing too much liquid?

Barley can soak up a lot of broth as it sits. To keep your soup nice and brothy, you can cook the barley separately and add it in when you’re ready to serve. Alternatively, if it thickens up too much when reheating, just add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up!