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Beef Barley Soup

Hearty classic beef barley soup is healthy comfort food! Tender beef, vegetables, and nutritious barley make it a satisfying budget meal.

Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 592 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American , Irish

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless chuck roast
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 4 celery stalks
  • 4 carrots
  • 2 parsnips
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 16 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 8 cups beef stock or chicken stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup pearled barley
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cut the beef into 3/4-inch cubes, discarding any tough pieces of fat or gristle. Place in a bowl and season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir to coat. Let stand at room temperature while you chop the vegetables (this will help the beef soften).
  2. Chop the vegetables: dice the onion and celery. Peel the carrots and parsnips and cut into ½-inch chunks. Mince the garlic.
  3. In a Dutch oven or similar large, sturdy pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add as many pieces of beef as will fit in a single layer. Cook on all sides until the beef is well browned, about 8 minutes. Remove to a plate. Repeat with remaining batches, adding more oil to the pan if it seems dry. Do not crowd the pot, or the beef will not brown properly.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion, celery, and mushrooms. Saute until softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Adjust the heat as necessary so that the vegetables do not burn.
  5. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, and thyme. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
  6. Stir in the carrots and parsnips, coating them with the cooking oils and spices.
  7. Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the stock. Add the bay leaf.
  8. Increase the heat to medium high and bring the liquid to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and partially cover the pot. Let simmer for 45 minutes, until the beef is fairly tender.
  9. Stir in the barley and remaining ½ teaspoon black pepper. Continue to simmer over low, partially covered, until the barley is tender, about 45 minutes more.
  10. Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the parsley and vinegar. If the soup is thicker than you would like, thin it with additional water as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Notes

  • TO STORE: Refrigerate soup in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days. 
  • TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. 
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze soup in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1(of 6) Calories 592kcal (30%) Carbohydrates 57g (19%) Protein 43g (86%) Fat 23g (35%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 13g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 104mg (35%) Potassium 2107mg (60%) Fiber 12g (48%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 7684IU (154%) Vitamin C 26mg (29%) Calcium 151mg (15%) Iron 7mg (39%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 592

% Daily Value*

Serving 1(of 6)
Calories 592kcal 30%
Carbohydrates 57g 19%
Protein 43g 86%
Fat 23g 35%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 13g 65%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 104mg 35%
Potassium 2107mg 45%
Fiber 12g 48%
Sugar 12g 24%
Vitamin A 7684IU 154%
Vitamin C 26mg 29%
Calcium 151mg 15%
Iron 7mg 39%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.