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Cozy Beef & Barley Soup

A hearty and comforting beef and barley soup with tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth—perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main, Soup
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef & Broth
  • 1 lb beef stew meat cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
Vegetables & Barley
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 1 cup potatoes diced, optional
  • 1 cup frozen peas optional, added at the end

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth, water, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
  4. Stir in carrots, celery, potatoes, and pearl barley. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 35–40 minutes until beef and barley are tender.
  5. Add frozen peas and simmer 5 more minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Remove bay leaf and serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

Soup thickens as it sits; add extra broth or water when reheating if needed. Perfect for freezing and reheating later.