Looking for a comforting soup that warms you from the inside out? This beef barley soup is your answer. Packed with tender chunks of beef, nutritious vegetables, and wholesome barley, it’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something hearty yet nourishing.
Imagine sitting down to a steaming bowl of soup after a long day. The rich broth, infused with savory flavors, wraps around the tender beef and chewy barley, making every spoonful a delight. This recipe combines simple ingredients that create an extraordinary flavor profile, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds.
This beef barley soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It brings together the warmth of home-cooked goodness with the satisfying texture of barley and the richness of beef, making it a family favorite.
The Perfect Beef Barley Soup

This hearty beef barley soup is a thick, savory dish featuring tender beef chunks, fresh vegetables, and chewy barley. It’s a fulfilling meal that leaves you satisfied, making it ideal for those cold days when you need something warm and hearty.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot and add beef broth, pearl barley, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and barley is cooked.
- Serve: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g