Hearty Beef and Barley Soup a Taste of Home

Hearty Beef Barley Soup: A Taste of Home

Fancy a bit of nostalgia in a bowl? Ever had a craving for something properly comforting? This beef barley soup is just the ticket.

It’s packed with flavour and so filling, it's basically a hug in a bowl.

Quick Comfort

This classic beef barley soup is proper comfort food. Tender beef, wholesome barley, and garden veggies swimming in a rich broth? Yes, please. This recipe is a winner.

A Taste of Tradition

This barley soup recipe hails from humble peasant kitchens. It was designed to be hearty and nourishing. It’s a proper taste of home, you know? Don’t be intimidated, though.

It's medium difficulty and worth the effort! Prep takes about 30 minutes, and simmering’s around 2 hours 30 minutes. You’ll get 6 to 8 generous servings.

Why You'll Love This Soup

This soup is loaded with nutrients, like protein and fibre. It's also perfect for a chilly evening. This beef barley soup is special because it's a complete meal in one pot.

I often make a big batch for those "bleak midwinter" days.

Beef Barley Soup Recipes Slow Cooker: Ingredients

Right then, here's what you need. You’ll need about 680g of beef chuck, cut into 2.5cm cubes. Olive oil, salt, and pepper for searing the beef, obviously.

For the soup base, grab a large onion, two carrots, and two celery stalks all chopped. Don’t forget four cloves of minced garlic.

You'll also need 1.9 litres of beef broth.

And a cup of rinsed pearl barley is mandatory! Next, a 411g tin of diced tomatoes, undrained. A teaspoon of dried thyme and a bay leaf for that classic flavour.

Worcestershire sauce for a bit of depth. Chuck in some frozen peas or green beans at the end, if you like.

Garnish with parsley to look extra fancy, I sometimes do it, but not always. I'm not really the Gordan Ramsey type.

Right then, let's get cracking on this beef barley soup . It's proper comfort food soup , innit? Think warming, hearty, and just the thing to curl up with on a blustery day.

It is a bit like a hug from yer Nan. Honestly, this one-pot beef barley soup is what winter was made for.

Ingredients & Equipment for Champion Beef Barley Soup Recipes Slow Cooker

Right, let’s gather our bits and bobs. Get ready to make this barley soup recipe !

Main Ingredients. This Is What You Need.

• Beef chuck: 1.5 lbs (680g) , cut into 1 inch cubes. Get good quality beef. Marbling is key.
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Go for extra virgin if you fancy.
• Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Don't be shy with it!
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) . Freshly ground is always best, you know?
• Onion: 1 large (about 1 cup) , chopped. Brown onions are your friend here.
• Carrots: 2 (about 1 cup) , peeled and chopped. Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Celery: 2 stalks (about 1 cup) , chopped. Essential for that savoury base.
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Because everything is better with garlic.
• Beef broth: 8 cups (1.9L) . Low sodium is a good shout.
• Pearl barley: 1 cup (190g) , rinsed. Don't skip the rinsing.
• Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can , undrained. Tinned toms are a lifesaver.
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon . Earthy and aromatic.
• Bay leaf: 1 . Adds a subtle depth of flavour.
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . For that umami kick!
• Frozen peas or green beans: 1 cup (140g) (optional) . A bit of green never hurt anyone.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Season like you mean it!
• Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish. A final flourish.

Seasoning Notes. Let's Talk Flavours!

The secret is the thyme and bay leaf. They add a proper warmth. Worcestershire sauce is a must . A pinch of smoked paprika is an awesome addition to spiced up your beef barley soup instant pot .

If you are out of bay leaves, you could use a pinch of rosemary, but honestly? Just grab some bay leaves.

Equipment Needed. No Fancy Stuff Required.

• Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot. This will save a lot of cleanup instead of using a beef soup slow cooker.
• Cutting board. Obvious, innit?
• Chef's knife. Sharp is safe, remember!
• Measuring cups and spoons. Get those amounts spot on!
• Alternative : If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large, heavy pot will do the trick.

This hearty soup recipe is all about the slow simmer, so don't rush it. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes.

This barley beef soup slow cooker version needs time. You know?.

Right then, let's get cracking on this beef barley soup . It's proper comfort food soup , innit? Think warming, hearty soup recipes , and just the thing to curl up with on a blustery day a bit like a hug from yer Nan.

If you are a fan of winter soup recipes , this is for you. Did you know that beef barley soup dates back to ancient times? A classic dish, that's been feeding families for centuries! Here's the breakdown:

Hearty Beef and Barley Soup: A Taste of Home

This ain't your average soup; it's a hug in a bowl. We're talking tender chunks of beef, wholesome barley, and a proper medley of garden veg, all simmered in a rich, savory broth.

Honestly, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. I've been making variations of this recipe since I left home, usually using up leftover beef on a sunday evening to then have a one-pot beef barley soup lunch the day after at work.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

This stage is all about getting organised. It's essential mise en place . Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that garlic.

Cut your beef into 1 inch cubes. Honestly, this step is half the battle. Time saving tip? Chop the veg the night before!

Safety Reminder: Mind those knives! Keep yer fingers tucked away.

step-by-step to Scrumptious Soup

1. Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot. Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Brown the beef in batches on all sides. Don't overcrowd the pot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5- 7 minutes , until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. The smell is divine at this point!
3. Deglaze and Combine: Pour in a splash of beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the remaining beef broth, barley, diced tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Simmer: Return the beef to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 hours . The beef needs to be tender.
5. Add Veg: If you're using frozen peas or green beans, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Adjust & Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley, if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your bowl of healthy beef barley soup !

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

Don't skip searing the beef! It adds so much flavour. Avoid adding too much barley; otherwise, your soup will become a gloopy mess. Did that once. Blimey!

• Low and slow is key. Simmering for a long time makes the beef super tender.

Want to get ahead? This soup tastes even better the next day, so a barley beef soup slow cooker meal prep could really save you time during the week.

If you need beef barley soup recipes slow cooker, it's a great base to adapt.

Recipe Notes for the Best Beef Barley Soup Ever!

Right, you've made it this far, so you're practically a beef barley soup pro . This is where we fine tune things.

Let’s chat about how to make this one-pot beef barley soup recipe absolutely banging . Honestly, it's already pretty good, but these tips will take it to the next level.

Plating Like a Michelin Star Chef (Almost)

Honestly, just chucking it in a bowl is fine. But if you're feeling fancy, ladle the soup into a nice bowl.

Garnish with fresh parsley, a swirl of cream, or a lemon wedge. Serve with a hunk of crusty bread. It's that simple.

This comfort food soup deserves a bit of love.

What to Serve Alongside?

A decent chunk of sourdough is non-negotiable. Seriously. A side salad with a zingy vinaigrette is great too. Want a beverage pairing? A proper pint of ale always hits the spot with this beef barley soup .

Storage Like a Boss

If you end up with leftovers of this barley soup recipe which is rare, let's be real let it cool completely.

Then, pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3-4 days.

Got loads left? Freezing is your friend. Portion it into freezer safe containers or bags. It'll happily sit there for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to tuck in, defrost it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the hob until piping hot.

Get Creative with Variations

Fancy a change? Go for lamb barley soup ! Just swap the beef for lamb shoulder. Boom!

Want a healthy beef barley soup option? Load up on extra veggies. Think kale, spinach, or even some sweet potatoes.

If you are looking for Beef Barley Soup Recipes Slow Cooker , then follow the recipe as written above but put everything except the peas and parsley into your slow cooker.

Cook on low for 6- 8 hours, then add the peas for the last 30 minutes. Then follow along with the rest of the recipe.

If you are looking for Beef Barley Soup Instant Pot , then follow the recipe as written above but put everything except the peas and parsley into your instant pot.

Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, then add the peas for the last 5 minutes of pressure cooking. Then follow along with the rest of the recipe.

Nutrition That Doesn't Bore You

Each serving clocks in at around 350 calories. You get a good dose of protein, some healthy fats, and plenty of fiber from the barley and veggies.

All around a great winter soup recipes .

Go Forth and Cook!

Honestly, that's it! You're now armed with all the knowledge you need to make an awesome beef barley soup . It’s easier than you think.

Get in the kitchen, give it a go, and enjoy! I think you'll find this Barley Beef Soup Slow Cooker recipe to be a new household favourite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make beef barley soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! For a slow cooker, sear the beef as instructed, then combine all ingredients (except any delicate vegetables like peas) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to sear the beef and sauté the vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.

How do I prevent my beef barley soup from becoming too thick? It's thicker than Oliver Twist's gruel, bless it.

Barley tends to absorb a lot of liquid as it cooks. The easiest fix is to add more beef broth during the simmering process until you reach your desired consistency. Also, rinsing the barley thoroughly before adding it to the soup helps remove excess starch, preventing it from becoming overly thick.

What's the best way to store leftover beef barley soup, and how long will it last?

Leftover beef barley soup is your best mate - Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months.

Just be aware that the barley may become a bit softer after freezing and thawing, but it will still taste great.

Can I use a different cut of beef for this beef barley soup recipe? I'm a bit strapped for cash, like.

Of course! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness, you can use stewing beef or even beef shanks (though you'll need to remove the bones before serving). These cuts may require a slightly longer simmering time to become tender, so just keep an eye on it.

Also, budget friendly cuts like beef shin are fantastic for beef barley soup.

I'm trying to cut down on sodium. How can I make a lower sodium beef barley soup?

Using low-sodium beef broth is the biggest way to cut sodium. Also, avoid adding extra salt until the very end, after you've tasted the soup. You can also enhance the flavor with herbs, spices, and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar instead of relying on salt.

Is beef barley soup healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Beef barley soup can be a very nutritious meal! It's packed with protein from the beef, fiber from the barley and vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's a balanced dish that can contribute to a healthy diet.

Just be mindful of sodium content, as mentioned above, and portion sizes everything in moderation, eh?