Beef Barley Lentil Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Meals

When the weather turns chilly and you crave something hearty yet wholesome, a warm bowl of beef barley lentil vegetable soup is the perfect comfort food. This soup combines tender beef, nutty barley, and protein-packed lentils with a bounty of fresh vegetables, creating a flavorful and nutritious meal that warms you from the inside out.

It’s a one-pot wonder that’s not only satisfying but also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is easy to make, freezes beautifully, and tastes even better the next day.

The blend of ingredients offers a balance of textures and flavors: the chewiness of barley, the earthiness of lentils, the richness of beef, and the freshness of garden vegetables. Plus, it’s a great way to get in your daily servings of vegetables without feeling like you’re sacrificing taste.

Ready to cozy up with a bowl of this soul-warming soup? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef barley lentil vegetable soup is a delicious blend of nutritious ingredients that come together in a rich, savory broth. Here’s why it’s a kitchen favorite:

• Hearty and filling: The combination of beef, barley, and lentils ensures you stay full and energized.
• Nutritious and balanced: Loaded with vegetables and legumes, it’s a powerhouse of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.
• One-pot meal: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor development as all ingredients simmer together.
• Perfect for batch cooking: Make a large pot and store leftovers for busy days or freeze for later.
• Customizable: Easily swap or add vegetables according to your preference or seasonality.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 1/2 cup brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 8 cups beef broth (or stock)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle for serving
• Colander for rinsing barley and lentils

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the pearl barley and brown lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Chop all vegetables and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces.
2. Brown the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove browned beef and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions. Sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add vegetables: Stir in diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to soften slightly.
5. Combine main ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add rinsed barley, lentils, diced tomatoes (with juice), dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.
6. Add broth and simmer: Pour in 8 cups of beef broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Add green beans: After 1 hour, stir in the green beans. Continue simmering, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes until the barley, lentils, and vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
8. Season to taste: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy hot!

Tips & Variations

To make this soup even more flavorful, consider browning the beef with a little smoked paprika or adding a splash of red wine before adding the broth.

• Vegetarian variation: Omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead. Add extra lentils or mushrooms for a meaty texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of your favorite spice blend such as this Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a smoky kick.
• Slow cooker option: Brown the beef and sauté veggies as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Use different grains: Swap barley with farro or quinoa for a different texture.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk just before serving for a richer soup.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience with a few simple additions:

• Serve with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or warm garlic bread for dipping.
• A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness beautifully.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
• Pair with a glass of red wine or a crisp, cold beer for a cozy dinner.

Conclusion

This beef barley lentil vegetable soup is a nourishing and comforting dish that fits perfectly into any season but especially shines during colder months. Its rich broth, combined with wholesome ingredients like barley, lentils, and fresh vegetables, creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will satisfy your cravings and fuel your body.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward, adaptable, and rewarding.

Don’t forget to personalize it with your favorite veggies or spices, and feel free to batch cook for convenient meals throughout the week. For more wholesome soup ideas, explore the 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious or warm up with some Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings.

If you love hearty, grain-packed meals, check out our collection of Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Beef Barley Lentil Vegetable Soup”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and nutritious soup combining tender beef, barley, lentils, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal packed with protein and fiber.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT1H15M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H30M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes”, “1 cup pearl barley”, “1/2 cup dried lentils, rinsed”, “1 large onion, diced”, “2 carrots, diced”, “2 celery stalks, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes”, “6 cups beef broth”, “2 cups water”, “1 tsp dried thyme”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 tbsp olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add beef cubes and brown on all sides.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; saut\u00e9 until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in barley, lentils, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in beef broth and water; bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 hour or until beef and grains are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “28 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35 g”}}