Description

Hearty Beef Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. This rich and flavorful soup combines tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and chewy barley, creating a dish that warms both body and soul. Each bowl offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes, making it an ideal centerpiece for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup pearl barley
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef chunks and season with salt and pepper. Brown on all sides (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from pot.
In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
Return the beef to the pot. Stir in barley, bay leaves, thyme, and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about an hour until the beef is tender and barley is cooked.
Adjust seasoning if necessary; remove bay leaves before serving. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider including frozen peas or greens during the last minutes of cooking. You can also substitute barley with quinoa or rice for a gluten-free option. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to three days or can be frozen for future meals.