Beef Barley Soup

Hearty Comfort in a Bowl: Ultimate Beef Barley Soup Recipe

Warm up your soul with our irresistible Beef Barley Soup recipe. This classic comfort dish combines tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and hearty barley in a flavorful broth that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re seeking a cozy meal for a chilly day or a nourishing option to feed your family, this satisfying soup is the perfect solution. Join us as we explore the steps to creating this comforting masterpiece and discover why it’s a beloved favorite for soup lovers everywhere.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2–3 lbs chuck roast, cubed
• 2 carrots, sliced into thin rounds
• 2 stalks celery, sliced thinly
• 1 medium onion, chopped finely
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
• 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2/3 cup medium barley
• 1 can corn, drained (14.5 ounces)

Instructions:

1. Sear the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chuck roast and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Seasonings: Stir in the dried parsley, dried oregano, and ground thyme, and cook for an additional minute to toast the spices.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add the bay leaf and barley. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.
6. Add Corn: Stir in the drained corn and let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat through.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
8. Serve: Ladle the Beef Barley Soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Use Leftover Roast: If you have leftover cooked roast beef, you can skip the searing step and add the cooked beef directly to the pot when you add the broth and vegetables.
• Substitute Pearl Barley: If you prefer a softer texture, you can use pearl barley instead of medium barley. Keep in mind that pearl barley cooks faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as peas, green beans, or potatoes.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here are some adjustments to make Beef Barley Soup keto-friendly:

Keto Version:

• Replace Barley: Substitute the barley with cauliflower rice or diced cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.
• Increase Fat Content: Add extra fat to the soup by using a fattier cut of beef or adding a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream before serving.
• Use Homemade Broth: Make your own keto-friendly beef broth by simmering beef bones with water and seasonings for a rich, flavorful base.

Low-Carb Version:

• Reduce Carrots: Limit the amount of carrots in the soup to reduce the carb content, or substitute them with lower-carb vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli.
• Adjust Barley Amount: Use less barley or omit it altogether to further reduce the carb content of the soup.
• Increase Protein: Add extra protein to the soup by increasing the amount of beef or adding cooked chicken breast or tofu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use pre-cooked barley in this recipe? Yes, you can use pre-cooked barley to save time. Simply add the cooked barley to the soup during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to heat through.
2. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover Beef Barley Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
3. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make Beef Barley Soup in a slow cooker. Sear the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.
5. What other herbs can I use in this soup? Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the soup. Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves are all popular choices for beef-based soups.

Beef Barley Soup is a classic comfort dish that’s perfect for warming you up on cold days or providing nourishment when you need a satisfying meal. With its tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and hearty barley, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl that’s sure to please the whole family. Plus, with our keto and low-carb variations, you can enjoy this delicious soup while staying true to your dietary goals. So why wait? Grab a spoon and savor the comforting goodness of Beef Barley Soup today!