This Hearty Beef Barley Soup holds a special place, in my heart as it brings back memories of my grandmother preparing it during the cold winter months. The kitchen would be filled with a scent of simmering beef combined with herbs. Now I carry on this tradition by preparing this comforting soup for my family. My kids eagerly gather around the table in anticipation of enjoying this nourishing meal that warms both their bodies and souls.
What makes this Hearty Beef Barley Soup truly satisfying?
What sets our Hearty Beef Barley Soup apart is the cooked tender chuck roast that adds tenderness and flavor to every spoonful. The addition of pearl barley delivers a chewy texture while producing the soup immensely satisfying. Moreover being a one-pot wonder this recipe ensures easy cleanup after enjoying your meal. It’s indeed a timeless chef-d’oeuvre that will surely become a treasured favorite among your family members.
What You Need To Make This Hearty Beef Barley Soup Recipe?
Boneless Chuck Roast: For a tender soup, it’s recommended to choose a boneless chuck roast. To ensure even cooking cut it into small cubes.
Pearl Barley: If you prefer a faster cooking time and less chewy texture opt, for pearl barley or hulled barley. It adds thickness to the soup without being too chewy.
Tomato Paste: To enhance the flavor and color of the soup subtly include tomato paste. It adds depth without overpowering the flavors.
Dried Thyme: Thyme brings an aromatic touch to the beef and vegetables. Dried thyme works well. If you have fresh thyme available that can be used too.
Salt and Pepper: Season your soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Remember that you can always adjust the seasoning later so start conservatively and add more if necessary.
Quality Broth: Using high-quality beef or chicken broth is essential, for a flavorful soup base. Choose a broth that you personally enjoy on its own as it forms the foundation of your dish.
Steps To Make Hearty Beef Barley Soup:
Step 1: Alright, let’s get started! Grab a pot. Heat it up while adding a drizzle of olive oil. Add the beef cubes. Let them cook for around 10 minutes until they lose some moisture and turn nicely browned. This step is crucial, for bringing out the flavors!
Step 2: Now reduce the heat slightly. Toss in the onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Give everything a stir. Let them mingle for about 5 minutes. Trust me this will create a friendship between the vegetables and beef.
Step 3: Next, it’s time to add some depth to our dish. Mix in the tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper so that every bit of beef and veggies gets coated with deliciousness.
Step 4: Sprinkle in the pearl barley and pour in the beef (or chicken) broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover it up, and allow it all to simmer together for 1.5 hours. This is when the beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful while the barley soaks up all those juices.
Step 5: If you prefer your soup slightly thinner in consistency feel free to add broth as desired. Adjust with salt and pepper if needed too. Remember that this soup is, about customizing it according to your taste buds.
Step 6: That’s it, a bowl of comfort that will warm your heart and soul. Serve it, get cozy, and enjoy every spoonful of this delicious Hearty Beef Barley Soup. It’s not a meal; it’s a hug, on a cold day. Relish every sip!
Tip:
For a delicious taste, you might want to try searing the beef cubes in small batches instead of putting too many in the pot at once. This will give the meat a crust, which will bring out a richer flavor in your Hearty Beef Barley Soup. Taking your time with this step will reward you with a broth that’s both flavorful and satisfyingly delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different cut of beef for this soup?
While chuck roast works well you can also opt for stew meat or beef cubes specifically meant for cooking.
Can I freeze this soup for later?
Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Just store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep well for up to three months.
What’s the difference between pearl barley and hulled barley?
Pearl barley is husked, which makes it quicker to cook and less chewy. On the other hand, hulled barley retains its bran so it takes longer to cook but offers fiber and nutrients. You can choose based on your preference.
Hearty Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless chuck roast cut into small cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 medium carrots peeled and diced
- 1 large onion peeled and diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup pearl barley or hulled barley
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 8 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat up a pot on high heat. Put in some oil and beef cubes stirring occasionally for 10 minutes until the beef starts to brown and the liquid evaporates.
- Lower the heat, to medium. Add onions, carrots and garlic. Let them cook for around 5 minutes so that their flavors can blend together.
- Mix in tomato paste dried thyme, salt and pepper ensuring that everything is well mixed. Add barley and either beef or chicken broth.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for an hour and a half until the beef becomes tender. If you prefer a thinner consistency you can add extra broth as desired.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!