Hearty Homestyle Beef and Barley Soup
This comforting Beef and Barley Soup is a nourishing, savory medley of tender beef, hearty barley, and flavorful vegetables all enveloped in a rich broth. Easily prepared in a crock pot, this recipe brings together the classic Southern flavors that have stood the test of time, making it an ideal choice for cozy family dinners or meal prepping. Whether you’re reminiscent of rural Southern kitchens or simply seeking a comforting dish, this soup is sure to warm the heart.
10
Servings
210
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
pearl barley
2/3 cup
extra lean ground beef or beef bones
1.5 lbs ((with some meat left on them))
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
carrots
4 (diced)
celery stalks
3 (diced)
diced tomatoes
28 ounces (canned)
beef broth
3.5 to 4 cups
water
2 cups
tomato soup
10.75 ounces (canned)
bay leaf
1
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (minced)
salt & pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or beef bones with the onion and garlic until the onions are translucent and the beef is evenly browned.
2
Transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker. Add the pearl barley, diced carrots, diced celery, canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, tomato soup, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
3
Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the mixture is well-balanced in flavor.
4
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 hours or until the barley and vegetables are tender and flavors have melded together harmoniously.
5
Stir in the minced parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.
6
Remove the bay leaf and serve hot. Enjoy this nostalgic soup that pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
24g
Carbs
16g
Protein
430mg
Sodium
40mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Homestyle Beef and Barley Soup?
It is a nourishing and savory medley of tender beef, hearty barley, and flavorful vegetables in a rich broth, inspired by classic Southern flavors.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains 210 calories, 7g of fat, 24g of carbohydrates, 16g of protein, 430mg of sodium, and 40mg of cholesterol.
What type of beef is recommended for this soup?
You can use 1.5 lbs of extra lean ground beef or beef bones with some meat left on them.
What type of barley is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of pearl barley.
How is the beef prepared before adding it to the slow cooker?
The beef should be browned in a skillet over medium heat with chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is evenly browned and onions are translucent.
What vegetables are included in the soup?
The soup includes diced carrots, diced celery stalks, chopped onions, and canned diced tomatoes.
How much beef broth is needed?
The recipe requires between 3.5 to 4 cups of beef broth.
What is the total slow cooker time for this beef and barley soup?
It should be cooked on high for 1 hour, then reduced to low for an additional 5-6 hours.
Does the recipe use water in addition to broth?
Yes, it uses 2 cups of water in addition to the beef broth.
Is there a specific canned soup used in the base?
Yes, one 10.75-ounce can of tomato soup is added to the mixture.
When should the fresh parsley be added?
The minced parsley should be stirred in just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Should the bay leaf be removed?
Yes, you should remove the bay leaf before serving the hot soup.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
How many carrots are used?
The recipe calls for 4 diced carrots.
How many celery stalks are needed?
You will need 3 diced celery stalks.
How much garlic is required?
One minced garlic clove is used in the recipe.
What is the size of the diced tomato can?
The recipe requires 28 ounces of canned diced tomatoes.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, its slow cooker preparation and hearty nature make it an ideal choice for meal prepping.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized under Meat and is tagged as beef, barley, and soup.
Can I use beef bones for this recipe?
Yes, beef bones with some meat left on them can be used as an alternative to ground beef.
How much fresh parsley is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of minced fresh parsley.
What is the primary cooking appliance needed?
A skillet for browning and a slow cooker (crock pot) for the main cooking process.
Are there any special instructions for browning the meat?
Brown the beef with onion and garlic until the meat is cooked and onions are translucent before moving to the slow cooker.
How many grams of fat are in one serving?
There are 7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains 24g of carbohydrates.
How many ingredients are in the soup?
The soup consists of 13 total ingredients, including salt and pepper.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to taste to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
What makes this soup 'Southern' style?
It incorporates classic Southern flavors and techniques common in rural Southern kitchens.
Is the recipe high in protein?
With 16g of protein per serving, it is a good source of protein.