Craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that'll transport you straight to grandma's kitchen? Look no further than this incredible Vegetable Beef Barley Soup – the ultimate comfort food that promises to chase away winter chills and satisfy even the hungriest appetites! Packed with tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and wholesome barley, this soup is more than just a meal; it's a warm hug in a bowl that will have your family asking for seconds before the first spoonful is finished.
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 barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting beef into uniform 1-inch cubes, chopping onion finely, and mincing garlic cloves.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and season with salt and pepper. Brown meat on all sides for approximately 5-7 minutes, creating a rich caramelized exterior.
- Remove browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return beef to the pot and add beef broth, barley, and dried thyme. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer the soup for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of barley and meat.
- After 1 hour, add mixed vegetables and continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes until vegetables are tender and beef is completely soft.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Let soup rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or crusty bread on the side.
Tips
- Choose the right cut of beef: Look for well-marbled stew meat to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Browning is key: Take time to properly brown the beef cubes. This step develops a deep, rich flavor foundation for your soup.
- Don't rush the simmering process: Low and slow cooking allows the barley to become perfectly tender and helps the meat become melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Vegetable timing matters: Add mixed vegetables later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy and retain their nutritional value and texture.
- Make ahead and store: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Customize your soup: Feel free to swap vegetables or add additional herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for extra depth of flavor.
- Serve with love: A slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate this simple soup to a gourmet experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg
