Classic Beef Barley Soup
Hearty beef barley soup features tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome barley, making it a comforting meal ideal for family dinners and cold weather cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, sliced carrots, and minced garlic to the beef; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Pour in beef broth and water, then add canned tomatoes, tomato soup, and bay leaf.
- Stir in 2/3 cup of barley and barley flakes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 45-60 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and stew meat. If you prefer a lighter version, ground turkey can be substituted for the beef. Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans for added nutrition. Adjust the barley amount based on your desired thickness; less barley will yield a soupier consistency. This dish is reminiscent of Old Homesteader Soup with its hearty ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings and can be enjoyed as part of your Sunday Night Specials.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Classic Beef Barley Soup contains roughly 559 calories, with 15g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (273% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 998mg per serving (43% 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 other grains instead of barley?
Yes, you can substitute barley with quinoa or farro if you prefer. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check for tenderness accordingly. Quinoa will cook faster, while farro may require a bit longer than barley.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor.
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).