Description
Hearty and nutritious Beef Barley Soup packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and wholesome pearl barley simmered to perfection in a savory beef broth. This comforting soup is perfect for a satisfying meal any time of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 rib celery, sliced
- 6 cups reduced sodium beef broth
- 14.5 ounces canned petite diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ⅔ cup pearl barley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 packet beef gravy mix
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Protein
- 2 cups cooked beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Beef: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, diced green bell pepper, and cooked beef. Mix well to combine with the aromatics.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the reduced sodium beef broth, drained diced tomatoes with juices, Worcestershire sauce, red wine if using, and sprinkle in the dried thyme leaves and beef gravy mix. Add the pearl barley and bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 40-50 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together well.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley before serving hot for added freshness and color.
Notes
- This soup is a complete meal loaded with vegetables, protein, and whole grains, perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
- You can substitute pearl barley with other grains such as farro or brown rice, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- The addition of red wine is optional but adds depth of flavor to the broth.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better when reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 204 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 487 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg
