Love veggie-packed soups and stews? Try my roasted cauliflower soup, Tuscan white bean soup, pickle soup, or 4 ingredient potato soup next. My beef barley soup recipe is a new family favorite, thanks to its stick-to-your-bones blend of beef, barley, and a medley of nourishing veggies. I’ll whip it together for meal prep or make a batch when the kids and I crave something equally comforting and delicious.
Why I love this recipe
Simple, customizable ingredients. I made sure to use readily available, affordable, and customizable ingredients in this beef and barley soup. Actually filling. The tender chunks of beef, pleasantly chewy barley, and assortment of vegetables make this the ultimate heartwarming meal. Healthy. Protein, fiber, and no saturated fat, it’s super wholesome. Versatile cooking methods. I know many of you prefer using a slow cooker or Instant Pot, so I’ve tested this soup using those methods too.
Ingredients needed
Beef chuck. This is my top cut of beef for soups because it tenderizes and becomes more flavorful during the slow cooking process. You can use pre-cut stew meat here or cut it into cubes slightly thicker than bite-sized. Salt and pepper. To season. Oil. To sear the beef. I like olive oil, but you can use any high-heat cooking oil. Vegetables. You need a mix of onions, carrots, and celery. Once they start to sizzle, your kitchen will smell amazing! Parsley root. AKA hamburg-rooted turnip. It has a similar taste to parsnips and contributes to the overall depth of flavor. If you can’t find this, feel free to use parsnips. Garlic cloves. Freshly minced to enhance the savory flavor. Red wine. To deglaze the pan and add depth and complexity to the soup. I recommend using a dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Not a fan of fine? Use more beef broth. Beef stock. I like using homemade beef stock, but a good quality store-bought brand is just as good. Worcestershire sauce. AKA the holy grail of flavor in many of my eef recipes. Barley. I used pearl barley because of its shorter cooking time and smoother texture. Remember that the cooking times will change, and you’ll likely need more broth/wine if you use hulled barley.
How to make beef barley soup
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Arman’s recipe tips
Trim the beef. Remember to remove any thick, visible chunks of fat from the meat (some is okay), as it can make the beef tough and the soup taste gritty. Don’t skip the sear. That gorgeous golden crust around the beef pieces adds an incredible depth of flavor to the soup. Don’t skip this part! Toss in some fresh herbs. If you have fresh parsley, thyme sprigs, or bay leaves, please throw them into the pot for extra flavor.
Storage instructions
To store: Allow the leftover beef and barley soup to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Instant Pot method: First sear the beef chunks in the oiled Instant Pot using the sauté function. Remove the meat from the pot, then add the vegetables and sauté until softened. Add the broth, Worcestershire, and barley. Return the beef to the pot and pressure cook for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally before removing the lid. Slow cooker method: Begin by browning the beef pieces in an oiled skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker. Add the vegetables, followed by the beef broth, Worcestershire, and barley. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
Experiment with veggies. While I don’t recommend omitting the hearty vegetables from this beef soup, you’re more than welcome to add more veggies you need to use up. Experiment with fresh green peas, green beans, mushrooms, spinach, or kale. Or add root vegetables. Diced potatoes, parsnips, and turnips would also be an excellent addition to this comforting soup! Swap the beef for a different protein, like chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, or venison. Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you choose. Save time with leftover beef. My leftover bottom round roast, top round roast, sirloin tip roast, or round steak would be perfect here. Just chop the beef into bite-size pieces, then add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through.
To freeze: Leftover beef barley soup freezes very well! Once it’s cool, transfer the soup to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 to 4 months. Let the soup thaw in the fridge before reheating. To reheat: You can reheat the leftovers on the stovetop in a saucepan or in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
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Originally published November 2023, updated and republished October 2024
