Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

Name: Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound beef chuck, cut into bite sized cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup pearl barley; 6 cups beef broth; 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

A cozy, nourishing soup packed with tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and wholesome barley.

By Enzo81 Kitchen· American· October 18, 2026

enzo81.xyz

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

60 minutes

Total

1 hour 15 minutes

Serves

There is nothing quite like a big bowl of beef and barley soup when the weather turns chilly. This recipe is a favorite in my kitchen because it uses simple ingredients to create a deep, comforting flavor that satisfies the whole family after a long day.

My top tip for this one is to let it simmer low and slow. Taking your time allows the barley to absorb all that delicious broth, which makes the soup thick and perfectly hearty.

Ingredients

1 pound beef chuck, cut into bite sized cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup pearl barley
6 cups beef broth
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

8Instructions

1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2
Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, then remove the meat and set it aside.
3
In the same pot, cook the onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms until they start to soften.
4
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5
Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth.
6
Add the barley, potatoes, and dried thyme, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 45 to 60 minutes until the beef and barley are tender.
8
Season with salt and pepper to your liking and serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep in mind that the barley will continue to soak up broth while sitting, so you might need to add a splash of water or more broth when you reheat it.

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