Beef Barley Mushroom Soup
A hearty and flavorful beef barley mushroom soup with tender vegetables and savory broth, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart covered saucepan, cook mushrooms, green pepper, onion, and garlic in butter or margarine about 5 minutes or until tender but not brown.
- Add cooked beef; stir in barley, sage, and salt.
- Add beef broth; bring to boiling.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 to 30 minutes or until barley is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using a mix of dried and fresh mushrooms. If you want a heartier soup, you can add diced carrots or celery. If quick-cooking barley is unavailable, pearl barley can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time. This soup can also be made with ground beef for a different texture, making it a versatile option among beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a unique twist, consider serving it alongside Cordon Bleu Hamburgers to complement the flavors and add variety to your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if needed to loosen the soup. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months, just be aware that the barley may become softer upon reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Barley Mushroom Soup contains roughly 398 calories, with 8g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1541mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken or turkey if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken may cook faster. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms and a vegetable broth, and omit the meat altogether.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the barley against the side of the pot or blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot. Alternatively, adding a cornstarch slurry can help achieve a thicker consistency without altering the flavor significantly.
What can I do if I don't have beef broth?
If you don't have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, which can enhance the savory notes of the soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).