Easy Homemade Beef Barley Soup – Hearty & Comforting Classic

Easy Homemade Beef Barley Soup delivers rich, slow-simmered flavor with tender beef, wholesome barley, and classic vegetables in every spoonful. This cozy soup feels filling without being heavy and works perfectly for family dinners, meal prep, or freezer meals. Simple ingredients and an easy method make it approachable for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients
• Delivers deep flavor with minimal effort
• Feels hearty, warm, and satisfying
• Perfect for leftovers and freezing
• Tastes even better the next day

Ingredients

Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1½ pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Soup

• 8 cups beef broth
• ¾ cup pearl barley
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Finish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef pieces and brown on all sides.
3. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until slightly softened.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes.
6. Add barley, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
8. Cover and simmer for 60–75 minutes until beef is tender and barley is cooked.
9. Remove bay leaf and stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use bone broth for deeper flavor
• Add mushrooms for extra richness
• Swap barley for farro if desired
• Cut beef evenly for consistent tenderness
• Simmer longer for thicker soup

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with extra broth if needed

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with crusty bread or rolls
• Pair with a green salad
• Add crackers for crunch
• Enjoy with hot tea or iced water

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef works best for beef barley soup?

Beef chuck works best because it becomes tender as it simmers. It also adds rich flavor to the broth.

Does barley thicken the soup?

Yes, barley naturally releases starch as it cooks, giving the soup a hearty, slightly thick texture.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen. Add extra broth when reheating if needed.

Can I cook this soup longer?

Yes, gentle simmering improves tenderness. Keep heat low and add broth if the soup thickens too much.

Ready to Make It?

Easy Homemade Beef Barley Soup brings warmth, nourishment, and classic comfort to your table. This recipe fits cozy nights and make-ahead meals perfectly. Save it now and enjoy a timeless soup made from scratch.

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• Tamale Pie – Family-friendly classic.

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