Veg Beef Barley Soup Recipe for Hearty, Healthy Meals

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and nourishment, especially on chilly days or whenever you crave a wholesome meal. Our Veg Beef Barley Soup combines tender beef, hearty barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables to create a rich, filling dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

This soup is perfect for those who want the satisfying taste of beef with the added benefits of vegetables and whole grains, creating a balanced meal in one pot. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is straightforward and delivers big on flavor with every spoonful.

Barley adds a lovely chewy texture and packs the soup with fiber, while the vegetables bring freshness and color. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to marry beautifully, resulting in a savory broth that will warm your soul.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak extra veggies into your diet without compromising on taste. If you love hearty soups that are easy to prepare and endlessly comforting, this veg beef barley soup will soon become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This veg beef barley soup is a perfect blend of savory and wholesome ingredients that make it an all-time favorite. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to make it again and again:

• Hearty & Nutritious: Packed with lean beef, fiber-rich barley, and a variety of colorful vegetables, it provides a balanced meal in a bowl.
• Comforting & Flavorful: The slow-cooked broth is rich with deep flavors from herbs, beef, and fresh veggies.
• Easy to Customize: You can swap vegetables or add your favorite herbs to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with a single pot required for cooking, saving you time and effort.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 6 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the pearl barley under cold water. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots and celery, dice the potato, and trim and cut the green beans.
2. Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in flavor and gives the soup a rich depth. Remove the beef and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the veggies to soften slightly.
5. Combine all ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the rinsed barley, diced tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine everything well.
6. Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for about 50-60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.
7. Add green beans: About 10 minutes before the soup is done, stir in the green beans. They will cook quickly and retain a nice bite and vibrant color.
8. Season and serve: Remove the bay leaves. Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

To achieve the best flavor, make sure to brown the beef well before adding the broth. This step adds a wonderful depth to the soup’s base.

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to include other veggies like mushrooms, peas, or zucchini based on what you have on hand.
• Use different grains: If barley isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with farro or brown rice for a slightly different texture.
• Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
• Slow cooker option: After browning the beef and sautéing vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for an effortless version of this soup.
• Freeze for later: This soup freezes beautifully in airtight containers or freezer bags. Just thaw and reheat on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dining experience even more. Try serving it with:

• Crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping into the rich broth.
• A fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to add some crispness to your meal.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for extra greens on the side.
• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top adds creaminess and tanginess.

For a vegetarian twist on comforting soups, you might enjoy exploring Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or if you want to bake something sweet to accompany your meal, check out the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

For bread lovers, the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves is a perfect match.

Conclusion

Our Veg Beef Barley Soup is a delightful combination of hearty beef, wholesome barley, and vibrant vegetables that come together to create a meal that’s both nutritious and comforting. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or simply warming up on a cold day, this soup is as versatile as it is delicious.

With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this nourishing soup bubbling away on your stove in no time.

Beyond its taste and health benefits, this soup brings a sense of home and satisfaction with every bowl. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices, it’s sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

Give it a try, and enjoy the rich flavors and textures that make this veg beef barley soup truly special.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Veg Beef Barley Soup”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and nutritious soup combining tender beef, vegetables, and barley. Perfect for a comforting meal on chilly days.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT1H30M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H45M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes”, “1 cup pearl barley, rinsed”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 large onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “3 carrots, peeled and sliced”, “2 celery stalks, sliced”, “1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes”, “6 cups beef broth”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1 teaspoon dried rosemary”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “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, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in carrots, celery, and barley.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 hour 30 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Check seasoning and adjust if needed before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “28 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “25 g”}}