If you’re looking for a meal that’s both tasty and nourishing, Hearty Beef and Barley Soup with Vegetables is a great choice. This dish is warm, filling, and well-balanced, making it perfect for dinner, especially during colder months.
What is Hearty Beef and Barley Soup?
Beef and barley soup is a traditional meal that blends the richness of cooked beef with the wholesome goodness of barley and garden vegetables. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, offering protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. This soup is often enjoyed as a main course due to its satisfying and hearty nature. Simplified yet flavorful, it uses readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Health Benefits and Precautions
This soup is not just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients. Here are some of the health benefits of the main ingredients:
Health Benefits
- Beef: A great source of high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins like B12.
- Barley: A whole grain rich in dietary fiber, especially beta-glucan, which helps improve heart health and digestion.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, tomatoes, and onions provide antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber.
Precautions
While this dish is nutritious, here are a few considerations:
- Choose lean beef to reduce saturated fat intake.
- Watch the salt content if you’re using store-bought broth. Look for low-sodium versions or make your own.
- Those with gluten sensitivities should double-check that the barley used is certified gluten-free or replace it with brown rice or quinoa.
Hearty Beef and Barley Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear them on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions turn translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
- Add remaining ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Stir in barley, diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 45–50 minutes, or until the barley and beef are tender.
- Final touch: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This beef and barley soup is a complete meal on its own. However, you can pair it with a side of whole-grain bread or a green salad for an extra boost. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze very well, making it ideal for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Hearty Beef and Barley Soup with Vegetables is more than just comfort food—it’s a nutritious and satisfying dish that brings together the best flavors of land and garden. It warms you up, fills you up, and helps your body thrive. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or batch-cooking for busy days ahead, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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