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Cozy Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

Cozy Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

5 from 30 reviews

A hearty and comforting Cozy Beef and Barley Soup featuring tender beef chuck roast, pearl barley, and a medley of vegetables simmered in rich beef broth gently seasoned with thyme and bay leaves. Perfect for a warming meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1.5 pounds Beef Chuck Roast (Cut into bite-sized cubes)

Grains

  • 1 cup Pearl Barley (Cooks quickly and absorbs flavors)

Vegetables

  • 2 medium Carrots (Diced)
  • 2 stalks Celery (Chopped)
  • 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 6 cups Beef Broth (Rich and hearty base)
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves (To be removed before serving)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (Adds comforting earthiness)
  • Salt (To taste, for seasoning)
  • Freshly cracked Black Pepper (To taste)

Optional

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil (For searing the beef)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: Cut the beef chuck roast into bite-sized cubes and season them generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Sear the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them evenly on all sides to seal in juices and develop rich flavor. Remove the beef and set aside.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook them over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aroma without burning.
  5. Combine ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add 6 cups of beef broth, 1 cup pearl barley, 2 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Stir everything together well.
  6. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the barley is cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  7. Final seasoning: Remove the bay leaves from the soup, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot for a cozy meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute pearl barley with steel-cut oats for a gluten-free alternative, but cooking time may vary.
  • For added depth, brown the vegetables lightly before adding broth.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld over time.
  • This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
  • Use homemade beef broth if possible for richer taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef barley soup, hearty soup, comforting soup, beef chuck recipe, pearl barley soup, easy beef soup, winter soup