My Sister Linda'S Beef Barley Soup
A hearty beef and barley soup with tender short ribs, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, celery tops, quartered onion, chopped carrots, apple cider vinegar, chopped onions sautéed in butter, chopped carrots, and chopped celery to the broth.
- Cook for 1 hour.
- When almost done, add 6 shakes of thyme powder.
- Then add the shredded meat from the short ribs.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Beef Barley Soup, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of tomato paste for richness. For a lighter option, you can substitute short ribs with leaner cuts like sirloin or chuck roast. If you prefer a thicker soup, add more barley or reduce the broth slightly during cooking. Thyme can be replaced with Italian seasoning for a different herbal profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Beef Barley Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Herbed Chicken for a hearty dinner. For an extra touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. This soup is also great as a make-ahead dish, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Sister Linda'S Beef Barley Soup contains roughly 2457 calories, with 94g protein, 411g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (490% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (248% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2441mg per serving (106% 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 for this soup?
Yes, you can substitute short ribs with other cuts like beef chuck or even ground beef for a quicker preparation. Just ensure any meat you choose is well-marbled to maintain tenderness during cooking.
How do I know when the soup is done?
The soup is done when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together after simmering for about an hour. The beef should be easily shredded from the bones, indicating that it is fully cooked.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add potatoes, peas, or even green beans for added nutrition and flavor. Just be mindful of the cooking times to ensure all vegetables are cooked to your liking.
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).