Hearty Beef Barley and Vegetable Soup
As the crisp autumn air rolls in, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Hearty Beef Barley and Vegetable Soup simmering on the stove. This family recipe, passed down from my mother, is packed with tender lean beef, wholesome barley, and generous chunks of vibrant vegetables. The robust broth, flavored with aromatic herbs and spices, creates a perfect balance of meaty and nourishing elements that will warm your soul. Perfectly chunky carrots, crunchy celery, and fresh green beans add delightful texture and nutrition. Gather the family around for this satisfying meal and serve it alongside a loaf of crusty artisan bread – it’s an experience you won’t forget!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean stew meat
1 1/2 lbs (cut into bite-sized chunks)
flour
2 tablespoons (for dusting meat)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for browning meat)
water
8 cups (for broth)
diced tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can (undrained)
barley
1/2 cup (uncooked)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon
sea salt
1 tablespoon (or kosher salt)
basil
1 teaspoon (dried)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
frozen green beans
1 (10 ounce) package
carrots
2 cups (cut to desired thickness)
celery
1 cup (cut to desired thickness)
onion
1 medium (chopped to desired chunks)
Instructions
1
In a gallon Ziplock bag, add the lean stew meat and flour. Seal the bag and shake until the meat is evenly coated with flour.
2
In a large stockpot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the coated beef and minced garlic. Sear the meat until it’s browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Don't worry if the meat sticks a little – just avoid burning it.
3
Pour in the water and add the undrained diced tomatoes, barley, Worcestershire sauce, sea salt (or kosher salt), basil, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
4
Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5
After an hour, add the frozen green beans, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and onion. Stir well and bring back to a boil.
6
Cover, reduce heat again, and simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables have reached your desired level of doneness.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite crusty bread!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of meat is used in Hearty Beef Barley and Vegetable Soup?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of lean stew meat cut into bite-sized chunks.
How should the beef be prepared before cooking?
Place the lean stew meat in a gallon Ziplock bag with 2 tablespoons of flour and shake until evenly coated.
What type of oil is used for searing the beef?
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil are used to sear the meat in a large stockpot.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves.
How long do you sear the beef?
Sear the meat for about 5 to 6 minutes until it is browned on all sides.
How much water is needed for the broth?
The recipe requires 8 cups of water.
Do you drain the diced tomatoes?
No, use one 16-ounce can of undrained diced tomatoes.
What kind of barley is used and how much?
Use 1/2 cup of uncooked barley.
What seasonings are added with the broth?
Worcestershire sauce, sea salt or kosher salt, dried basil, and pepper are added.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
What is the measurement for the dried basil?
Use 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
Add 1 tablespoon of sea salt (or kosher salt) and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
How long is the initial simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, cover and simmer on low for about 1 hour.
When are the vegetables added to the soup?
Vegetables are added after the first hour of simmering.
What type of green beans are used?
One 10-ounce package of frozen green beans is used.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe uses 2 cups of chopped carrots.
How much celery is required?
Add 1 cup of chopped celery.
What size onion is used?
One medium onion, chopped into chunks, is needed.
How long do the vegetables cook?
Simmer for an additional 20 to 25 minutes after adding the vegetables.
How do I know when the soup is finished?
The soup is done when the beef is tender and the vegetables have reached your desired level of doneness.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a family recipe passed down from the author's mother.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
Serve it hot alongside a loaf of crusty artisan bread.
Can I use a different type of salt?
Yes, you can use either sea salt or kosher salt.
Should I worry if the meat sticks during searing?
It is normal for the meat to stick a little; just ensure you avoid burning it.
Is the barley cooked before adding it to the pot?
No, the barley is added uncooked and cooks in the broth.
What tools are needed to prepare the meat?
A gallon Ziplock bag is used to coat the meat in flour.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 total ingredients listed for this soup.
What is the total simmering time for the soup?
The total simmering time is approximately 1 hour and 20 to 25 minutes.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include soup, beef, barley, vegetable, comfort food, autumn, hearty, and family recipe.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup is described as hearty and chunky with vibrant vegetables and tender beef.