Emily
When you’re in the mood for something warm, filling, and comforting, Beef Barley Soup is the perfect choice. This rich and savory soup is packed with tender beef, hearty barley, and flavorful vegetables, all simmered together in a rich broth. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out—and it tastes even better the next day.
Beef Barley Soup is easy to make at home with simple ingredients and one big pot. You can serve it for lunch, dinner, or even freeze some for later. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this classic soup never disappoints.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make delicious Beef Barley Soup step by step, with tips, variations, and ideas for storage.
What is Beef Barley Soup?
Beef Barley Soup is a thick, stew-like soup made with chunks of beef, pearl barley, vegetables like carrots and celery, and beef broth. Barley is a chewy, nutty whole grain that adds texture and heartiness to the soup. When simmered slowly, the beef becomes tender and flavorful, while the barley soaks up the broth and thickens the soup naturally.
This soup is great in cold weather, but it’s also a favorite any time you need a nutritious, homemade meal that satisfies.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Hearty and filling – Perfect as a complete meal in one bowl
- Full of flavor – With beef, herbs, and veggies all simmering together
- Nutritious – Rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients, one pot, no fuss
- Budget-friendly – Uses affordable cuts of beef and pantry staples
- Great leftovers – Tastes even better the next day
This soup is a crowd-pleaser and a family favorite for good reason!
Ingredients for Beef Barley Soup
Here’s what you’ll need for a classic batch of beef barley soup:
- 1½ pounds (about 700g) beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into small chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (adds richness)
- 6 cups beef broth (or a mix of broth and water)
- 1 cup pearl barley (uncooked)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: ½ teaspoon dried rosemary or parsley for extra flavor
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for depth
- Optional: 1 small potato, peeled and diced (adds extra heartiness)
These ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores and flexible enough for substitutions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make homemade beef barley soup:
Step 1: Brown the beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef pieces with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the hot pot in batches (don’t overcrowd) and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stir well, and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Add the broth and barley
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth. Stir in the barley, thyme, bay leaf, and any optional herbs. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce or a diced potato, add them now.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer gently for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
Step 4: Taste and adjust
Once everything is cooked, taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Step 5: Serve hot
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot, with crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Tips for the Best Beef Barley Soup
- Use the right beef: Chuck roast or stew meat becomes tender when simmered slowly.
- Brown the beef well: This adds a deep, rich flavor to the soup.
- Stir occasionally: Barley can stick to the bottom, so give the soup a stir now and then.
- Simmer gently: Low heat is key to keeping the beef tender and the broth flavorful.
- Don’t overcook the barley: It should be tender but still have a slight chew.
Variations and Add-Ins
This soup is very flexible. Here are some fun variations:
- Slow Cooker Version: Add all ingredients (except the barley) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add the barley in the last 1–2 hours of cooking.
- Add more veggies: Try peas, green beans, corn, mushrooms, or chopped spinach near the end of cooking.
- Use ground beef: Brown ground beef instead of stew meat for a quicker version.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds extra flavor and color.
What to Serve with Beef Barley Soup
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are some sides that go great with it:
- Warm crusty bread or garlic toast
- Buttery crackers
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- A grilled cheese sandwich
- Cornbread or rolls
Serve it with your favorite comfort foods for a cozy meal everyone will enjoy.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Beef Barley Soup keeps very well and makes excellent leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Let the soup cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- To reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.
Pro tip: If you plan to freeze the soup, consider cooking the barley separately and adding it fresh when reheating. This keeps the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
Beef Barley Soup is a classic for a reason. It’s rich, cozy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for your family, cooking for the week ahead, or just need a comforting bowl of something warm, this soup always hits the spot.
It’s simple to make, uses easy-to-find ingredients, and leaves your kitchen smelling amazing. Serve it with your favorite bread or salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will love.
