Get ready to warm your soul with a bowl of hearty Beef Barley Mushroom Soup! This comforting American classic combines tender beef, nutty pearl barley, and earthy mushrooms, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this soup is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings everyone together. With just a little prep and a simmering pot, you can create a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sear the beef cubes until they develop a deep brown crust on all sides, about 4-5 minutes total.
- Remove the browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and add pearl barley, beef broth, water, and dried thyme. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check the barley and meat for tenderness. If needed, continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as required.
- Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the soup to slightly thicken.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley.
Tips
- Sear the Beef: For maximum flavor, ensure you sear the beef cubes until they are deeply browned. This step caramelizes the meat and enhances the overall taste of the soup.
- Use Quality Broth: The broth is the backbone of this soup, so opt for a high-quality beef broth or homemade stock for the best flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes. This slow cooking process helps tenderize the meat and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your palate, ensuring every bowl is perfectly seasoned.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley just before serving adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness to your hearty soup.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Consider making it ahead of time to let the flavors develop further.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables like peas or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
