Warm up your evenings with a bowl of hearty Southwest Beef Bean Barley Soup that’s bursting with flavor and comfort! This delightful recipe combines savory ground beef, protein-packed black beans, and nutty barley, all simmered to perfection in a rich beef broth. With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Don’t miss out on the chance to impress your taste buds and your loved ones—read on to discover how to create this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southwestern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and diced bell pepper to the browned beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and chili powder, cooking for another 30-45 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in beef broth and add drained black beans and barley. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until barley is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or shredded cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the soup hearty without excess grease. You can also substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like corn, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into small pieces and add them when you sauté the onions and bell pepper.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the garlic.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Elevate your soup by garnishing with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or shredded cheese. These toppings add creaminess and a burst of freshness!
- Storing and Freezing: If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you're ready to enjoy it again!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 60mg
