Cozy Homemade Beef & Barley Soup Recipe For Cold Days

Comfort winds through every spoonful of this beef & barley delight, promising warmth and satisfaction on chilly evenings.

Rich, tender beef mingles with perfectly cooked barley in a symphony of flavors that speak to rustic home cooking.

Slow-simmered ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a robust stew that fills hungry souls with pure contentment.

Each steaming bowl carries deep, layered notes of herbs and savory broth that dance across your palate.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic recipe, passing down techniques that make every bite memorable.

hearty and nourishing, this stew stands as a testament to simple, soul-satisfying meals that connect us to tradition.

Dive into this recipe and let the aroma of comfort guide you to a delicious culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Hearty Beef & Barley Ingredient Essentials

• Barley: Nutty whole grain that provides hearty, chewy texture and adds delightful body to the stew.
• Beef Broth: Rich liquid foundation that infuses deep, savory flavor and creates luxurious cooking environment.

• Chuck Roast: Perfectly marbled beef cut that becomes meltingly tender, delivering rich flavor and substantial protein.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic flavor trio that builds robust foundation, adding sweetness, crunch, and earthy undertones.
• Garlic: Pungent herb that elevates overall taste profile with its warming, intense essence.

• Dried Parsley: Mild, fresh herb that adds subtle green brightness and elegant finishing touch.
• Dried Oregano: Robust Mediterranean herb bringing warm, slightly peppery complexity.
• Ground Thyme: Delicate, woodsy herb contributing sophisticated herbal whispers.

• Diced Tomatoes: Tangy, juicy element that introduces subtle acidity and vibrant color.
• Corn: Sweet, golden kernels providing delightful pop of texture and natural sweetness.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking fat ensuring smooth sautéing and preventing sticking.
• Bay Leaf: Aromatic herb imparting deep, subtle background flavor during slow cooking.

Cooking Tools for Beef & Barley

• Large Pot: Essential for searing beef, sautéing vegetables, and simmering the entire dish.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for chopping vegetables and trimming beef into bite-sized pieces.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth, barley, and other ingredients.
• Bay Leaf Strainer or Tongs: Useful for removing bay leaf before serving.

How to Make Hearty Beef & Barley

• Beef Preparation

Select high-quality beef cuts and slice them into chunky pieces for a robust flavor profile.

• Pot Warmup

Heat a heavy-bottomed pot with a splash of oil until it shimmers with anticipation.

• Golden Transformation

Sear the beef pieces until they develop a rich, caramel-colored crust that locks in delicious juices.

• Veggie Symphony

Toss chopped carrots, celery, and onions into the pot, letting them dance and soften in the remaining beef drippings.

• Aromatic Awakening

Sprinkle fragrant herbs and minced garlic, creating an enticing kitchen aroma that will make mouths water.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in savory broth and tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer gently and develop deep, complex flavors.

• Barley and Corn Journey

Introduce hearty barley and sweet corn kernels, letting them mingle and absorb the rich, meaty essence.

• Final Touch

Let the stew bubble softly, transforming into a comforting meal that promises warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Cooking Tips for Beef & Barley

• Slow Cooker Magic: Transform this recipe into a hands-off meal by transferring all ingredients to a slow cooker after searing the beef. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for ultra-tender meat.
• Protein Power Switch: Replace beef with lean ground turkey, chicken thighs, or lamb for different flavor profiles that keep the hearty texture intact.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrients.
• Spice It Up: Kick the flavor intensity by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of worcestershire sauce to enhance the overall taste complexity.

Serving Hearty Beef & Barley with Style

• Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty beef and barley soup with a slice of crusty sourdough bread for dipping, soaking up all those rich, savory flavors.
• Wholesome Side Salad: Complement the soup with a crisp green salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the beef and add a fresh crunch.
• Warming Beverage Duo: Serve alongside a glass of robust red wine like cabernet sauvignon or enjoy with a steaming mug of herbal tea for ultimate comfort on a chilly evening.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or grated parmesan cheese on top just before serving to elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor.

Keeping Beef & Barley for Later

• Smart Fridge Storage: Transfer your Hearty Beef & Barley Delight into airtight containers, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness. Cool the soup completely before refrigerating, which helps prevent bacterial growth and preserves the rich flavors.
• Quick Cooling Technique: Spread the soup in a shallow container to help it cool faster, reducing the time it sits at room temperature. This method ensures food safety and maintains the soup's delicious taste.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Pro tip: Leave a small space at the top of each container to allow for expansion during freezing.
• Reheat with Care: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of beef broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration, helping restore its original luxurious texture.

Ultimate Beef & Barley Delight

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Robust beef and barley stew combines rustic comfort with rich, savory flavors from traditional German cuisine. Slow-simmered ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal that warms souls and connects generations around one delicious pot.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 to 3 lbs (907 to 1361 g) chuck roast
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) low sodium beef broth
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced into thin rounds
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) medium barley
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) ground thyme

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Instructions

1. Searing Protein: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high temperature. Caramelize beef on all sides, creating a rich golden exterior that locks in deep flavors and develops complex taste dimensions.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Transfer seared meat to a side plate. In the same pot, sauté chopped carrots, celery, and onions until they soften and release their natural sweetness, approximately 4-5 minutes. Introduce crushed garlic and dried herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme, stirring to blend and awaken their aromatic essences.
3. Liquid Integration: Return beef to the pot, pouring in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Add a bay leaf, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow ingredients to meld together, transforming the mixture into a harmonious stew for roughly 90 minutes until meat becomes extraordinarily tender.
4. Grain and Vegetable Incorporation: Fold pearl barley and corn kernels into the developing stew. Continue slow cooking, enabling grains to absorb the rich, savory liquid while expanding with robust flavors.
5. Final Preparation: Uncover the pot during the last cooking stage to reduce excess moisture and concentrate the stew’s essence. Remove beef, trim excess fat, and slice into appetizing bite-sized pieces. Reintegrate meat into the hearty mixture, ensuring perfect ingredient distribution. Serve steaming hot in waiting bowls, presenting a comforting and satisfying culinary creation.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Browning: Achieve deep flavor by ensuring each side of the beef develops a golden-brown crust, which locks in rich, caramelized taste profiles.
• Herb Infusion Technique: Gently stir dried herbs with vegetables to release maximum aromatic essences, creating a robust flavor foundation for the stew.
• Simmering Secret: Maintain low, consistent heat during the 90-minute cooking process to guarantee meat becomes incredibly tender and ingredients meld seamlessly.
• Liquid Reduction Trick: Remove the lid during final cooking stage to concentrate flavors and allow excess moisture to evaporate, intensifying the stew’s overall taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg