Old Fashion Beef Barley Soup
A hearty and comforting beef and vegetable soup packed with barley, rich flavors, and savory seasonings, perfect for family dinners or cold days.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb ground meat ⓘ
- 3 medium chopped onions ⓘ
- 3 sliced potatoes
- 3 celery stalks diced ⓘ
- 3 medium carrots diced ⓘ
- 2 16 oz cans whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 16 oz can whole corn ⓘ
- 16 oz can peas ⓘ
- 16 oz can French-cut string beans
- 2/3 cup pearl barley ⓘ
- 6 cups water ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp sweet basil ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat with chopped onions in a large skillet or pan.
- In a large pot, combine the browned meat and onions with water, potatoes, celery, carrots, tomatoes, barley, and spices.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 45 to 60 minutes.
- Add the canned corn, peas, and French-cut string beans to the pot.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Stir in all the liquids from the cans of vegetables before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats such as beef and pork. If you're short on time, you can substitute the pearl barley with quick-cooking barley or even rice, though it will change the texture. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the depth of flavor. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning as necessary throughout the cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a dish like Killer Chili or Beef-Tater Tots Casserole. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also add a delightful finish to the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a bit of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashion Beef Barley Soup contains roughly 1514 calories, with 38g protein, 300g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (346% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (120% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1839mg per serving (80% 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 make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the meat and onions in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with a mix of lentils or beans and use vegetable broth instead of water. Increase the amount of vegetables and add in your favorites, like mushrooms or zucchini, for extra flavor and texture.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables can be a great substitute. Just add them in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to ensure they remain tender but not mushy. This is particularly handy if you're looking to keep the soup fresh and vibrant.
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).