Description
This hearty beef and barley soup is a comforting, nutritious meal perfect for chilly days. Tender stew beef simmers with pearl barley, fresh vegetables, and rich beef broth to create a filling and flavorful soup that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb stew beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 8 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the stew beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in flavor and enhances the soup’s richness.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and soften, releasing their sweet aroma.
- Add vegetables and liquids: Stir in the chopped carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, and pearl barley. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy warm for a nourishing meal.
Notes
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated easily.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or add more barley.
- Feel free to substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- If you prefer, use steel-cut oats instead of barley for a different texture.
- Use low-sodium broth to control sodium content.
- To save time, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
