Description
This hearty Beef Barley Soup combines tender cooked beef, nutritious pearl barley, and a variety of vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful beef broth. Enhanced with Worcestershire sauce, tomatoes, and herbs, this comforting soup is perfect for a wholesome meal that warms you up and satisfies.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 rib celery, sliced
- 6 cups reduced sodium beef broth
- 14.5 ounces canned petite diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ⅔ cup pearl barley
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 packet beef gravy mix
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Meat
- 2 cups cooked beef, diced or shredded
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Ingredients and Bring to Boil: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, green bell pepper, cooked beef, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes with juices, pearl barley, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, beef gravy mix, bay leaf, and optional red wine. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the pearl barley is tender and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- The soup may thicken as it cools; add extra beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency before reheating.
- Red wine is optional but adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Using reduced sodium beef broth helps control the saltiness, adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Leftover cooked beef can be from your choice of roast or stew meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
