Hearty Beef and Barley Vegetable Soup
Indulge in this Hearty Beef and Barley Vegetable Soup, a perfect blend of tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables that warms the soul. This comforting dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to accommodate your pantry staples. Whether made on the stovetop for a quick meal or in a slow cooker for a leisurely dinner, each spoonful is a nourishing experience. Perfect for chilly days or as a crowd-pleaser, this soup is destined to become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
12 cups (none)
Beef base
2-3 tablespoons (dissolved in water)
Beef, cubed
1 3/4 cups (about 13 oz.) (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Bay leaves
2 (none)
Thyme
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (or more to taste) (none)
Fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Celery ribs
3 (chopped)
Onion
1 large (or 2 small) (chopped)
Carrots
2 large (or 3 small) (chopped)
Whole tomatoes (with sauce)
1 (14 ounce) can (cut up)
Frozen peas (or fresh)
1 cup (none)
Barley
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Beef and Barley Vegetable Soup?
It is a comforting and nourishing blend of tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients including liquids, meat, grains, vegetables, and seasonings.
What kind of beef is used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups (about 13 oz.) of beef cubed into bite-sized pieces.
How much water is needed for the soup base?
The recipe requires 12 cups of water.
Can this soup be prepared on the stovetop?
Yes, it can be made by simmering the ingredients in a large pot for about 2 hours total.
How long does the stovetop cooking take?
It takes 1 hour for the initial simmer and an additional hour after adding the barley and peas.
Is there a slow cooker or crockpot option?
Yes, instructions are provided for cooking in a crockpot.
What is the cooking time for the crockpot method?
Cook on low for 8 hours (or overnight), followed by 1 hour on high after adding the final ingredients.
When should I add the barley to the soup?
Add the barley during the last hour of cooking for both the stovetop and crockpot methods.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Use one 14-ounce can of whole tomatoes with sauce, and cut them up before adding.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use either 1 cup of frozen peas or fresh peas.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The soup includes celery, onion, carrots, tomatoes, and peas.
How should I prepare the barley before adding it?
The barley should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pot.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The soup is seasoned with bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and fresh ground pepper.
Should the bay leaves be removed before serving?
Yes, remember to remove the bay leaves before serving the soup.
How much beef base is needed for the broth?
Use 2-3 tablespoons of beef base dissolved in the 12 cups of water.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, but you can adjust these to taste.
Is this soup good for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days.
How many carrots are needed?
You will need 2 large or 3 small carrots, chopped.
How much celery should be added?
The recipe calls for 3 chopped celery ribs.
What size onion is required?
Use 1 large or 2 small onions, chopped.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is noted as being easy to prepare and versatile enough for various pantry staples.
Is this soup a good choice for a crowd?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and is destined to become a family favorite.
What is the texture of the beef in this soup?
The beef is cooked until it is tender and bite-sized.
Can I add other pantry staples to this soup?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and can accommodate various ingredients you may have on hand.
How do I prepare the canned whole tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be cut up into smaller pieces before being added to the mixture.
What happens to the beef base during cooking?
It should be allowed to fully dissolve in the water to create a flavorful broth.
How should the thyme be prepared?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What is the final texture of the barley?
The barley should be simmered until it is tender.
Is this recipe nourishing?
Yes, each spoonful is described as a nourishing and wholesome experience.