Hearty Beef Barley Soup
Hearty beef barley soup combines tender ground beef, wholesome barley, and savory broth for a comforting, nutritious meal perfect for chilly days and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 pound extra-lean ground beef or turkey ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pkg. sliced mushrooms, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 14.5 oz. can beef broth ⓘ
- 1 14.5 oz. can fat-free chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 cup quick-cooking barley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 envelope (1.4 oz.) au jus mix ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded carrots, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a 4 1/2 quart stockpot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and ground beef or turkey; cook until the meat is browned.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Add beef broth, chicken broth, water, barley, and chopped mushrooms to the pot.
- Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and the au jus mix. Stir until the au jus mix dissolves.
- Keep boiling, covered, then add chopped carrots and re-cover the pot.
- Continue boiling for 5 more minutes or until the barley is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef or turkey with a bit of onion and garlic before adding other ingredients. You can substitute the quick-cooking barley with pearl barley, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adding a splash of red wine can enhance the depth of the soup. If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of liquid slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hearty Beef Barley Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with T'S Carrot Soup for a delightful contrast in flavors. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an added touch and a pop of color.
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 medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Beef Barley Soup contains roughly 625 calories, with 18g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1753mg per serving (76% 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 recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or mushrooms as a base, along with vegetable broth instead of beef and chicken broth.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños when sautéing the onions. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to add their own spice level.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
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).