Beef Barley Soup With Ground Beef Recipe

When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, few dishes hit the mark quite like Beef Barley Soup. Rich, savory, and packed with flavor, this soup has a long history as a family favorite, especially during the colder months when all you want is a warm bowl of nourishment. Beef Barley Soup is the perfect combination of tender beef, chewy barley, and a medley of vegetables, simmered together in a flavorful broth. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl-a satisfying and filling meal that’s both simple and comforting.

If you’ve never made it before or are looking to perfect your recipe, this beef barley soup with ground beef is a great place to start. It’s a more approachable version, thanks to the use of ground beef, which cooks up quickly and gives the soup a wonderful depth of flavor without requiring hours of slow cooking. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious dish, from the ingredients to expert tips, and give you everything you need to create your own masterpiece!

Beef Barley Soup With Ground Beef Recipe

This Beef Barley Soup recipe is a cozy, comforting meal that can be easily made in just over an hour. It’s simple yet flavorful, with ground beef providing a rich base for the soup and barley offering a satisfying bite. You can adjust the veggies, seasonings, or even make it more brothy or thick depending on your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a few people, this recipe is versatile and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients Needed

• Ground beef: 1 lb (or more if you want extra meaty soup)
• Barley: ½ cup (pearled barley works best for this recipe)
• Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced
• Celery: 2 stalks, diced
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Beef broth: 4 cups (preferably low-sodium for better control of salt)
• Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) – optional for extra flavor
• Bay leaf: 1-2, depending on taste
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon (adjust to your liking)
• Olive oil: for browning the beef
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown The Beef

   • In a large pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.

3. Add Garlic And Spices

   • Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Pour In Broth And Tomatoes

   • Add the beef broth and diced tomatoes (if using). Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

5. Simmer The Soup

   • Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Add the barley, salt, and pepper, and stir everything together. Let it cook uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the barley is tender and the soup has thickened to your liking.

6. Final Touches

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

7. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this Beef Barley Soup plays a specific role in bringing the dish together:

• Ground Beef: Provides a rich, savory base and loads of protein. You can use lean ground beef if you prefer less fat, or opt for a fattier cut if you want a richer flavor.
• Barley: Barley is a whole grain that absorbs liquid and flavors beautifully, adding a chewy texture that balances the tender meat and vegetables. Pearled barley, which is processed to remove the outer husk, is the best choice here because it cooks faster and results in a tender bite.
• Carrots, Celery, and Onion (Mirepoix): This classic trio of vegetables builds the base flavor of the soup. The sweetness of the carrots, the slight bitterness of the celery, and the savory depth of onions meld together perfectly to create a robust flavor profile.
• Beef Broth: The broth adds richness and body to the soup. Opt for a low-sodium version to have more control over the saltiness of your dish.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Thyme and bay leaf are key to the flavor, providing earthy and slightly floral notes. Garlic adds a burst of fragrance that really deepens the overall flavor.
• Tomatoes (optional): While not traditional in all beef barley soups, canned diced tomatoes add a slight acidity and extra depth to the broth, making the soup even more well-rounded.

Expert Tips

• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even more, and the barley will continue to absorb some of the broth.
• Make It Ahead: Beef Barley Soup tastes even better the next day. The flavors continue to develop and the barley becomes more tender. Make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Thick or Brothy: If you like your soup thicker, let it cook a little longer to allow the barley to absorb more liquid. For a more brothy version, simply add extra broth or water as it cooks.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well, so you can double the recipe and store portions for later. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion when freezing.

Recipe Variations

While this Beef Barley Soup is delicious as is, there are a few variations and substitutions you can try based on your preferences:

• Use Different Meats: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for a different flavor profile.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, potatoes, or green beans for more variety and texture.
• Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño while sautéing the vegetables.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, adding extra mushrooms or lentils to provide texture and protein.
• Add Greens: For a little extra color and nutrition, throw in some chopped spinach, kale, or Swiss chard toward the end of cooking.

Final Words

Beef Barley Soup is one of those timeless dishes that never fails to satisfy. The comforting, savory combination of ground beef, tender barley, and fresh vegetables is a winning one that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s adaptable, easy to make, and filling-what’s not to love?