Description
Chunky Beef and Barley Soup is a hearty and satisfying American soup featuring tender beef stew meat, wholesome pearl barley, and mixed vegetables simmered together in a flavorful beef broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this stovetop soup combines the richness of beef with the earthiness of barley and a medley of carrots, celery, and tomatoes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup pearl barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering to prepare for browning the beef.
- Brown the Beef: Add the beef stew meat to the pot, turning occasionally to brown all sides thoroughly, developing rich flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their aroma.
- Add Barley, Broth, and Seasonings: Stir in the pearl barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, combining all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes until the beef is tender and the barley has cooked through.
- Serve Hot: Once cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm as a nourishing main dish.
Notes
- This soup thickens as it cools; add extra beef broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
- Using pearl barley provides a chewy texture and absorbs flavors well, enhancing the soup’s heartiness.
- For a richer flavor, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the beef before adding vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
