Description
Warm up with this nourishing Hearty Beef Barley Soup, packed with tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and hearty barley. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly days!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in carrots and celery and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the pearl barley, diced tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 45 minutes, add the chopped spinach to the pot and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour