Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6
Looking for a satisfying, hearty meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with pantry staples? This Family Beef Barley Soup is the perfect solution! With just a few ingredients, it delivers a rich, savoury flavour that feels like love in a bowl. Ground beef, vegetables, and barley come together with tomatoes to create a comforting, nutrient-dense soup that’s perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. Ideal for feeding 4-6, this soup is also budget-friendly and a great way to use up ingredients you may already have on hand.
The tomato paste and canned tomatoes add a delicious richness and depth to the broth. If you’re out of beef stock, no worries—chicken stock or even water can work just fine. A little fresh thyme and parsley enhance the flavours, while a bay leaf brings a subtle earthiness to round out the dish. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also simmers in just 30-40 minutes, allowing the barley to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients for Beef Barley Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
- 2 celery ribs, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 cup high-quality canned tomatoes
- 8 cups beef stock, chicken stock, or water
- 1 large bay leaf
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup barley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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- In a heavy soup pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Strain off any excess fat, leaving a bit in the pot for added flavour.
- Add the butter to the pot and melt, then add the chopped onion. Season lightly with salt and cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the diced carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Season with a bit more salt, then stir and cook for an additional few minutes to soften the vegetables.
- Stir in the tomato paste and canned tomatoes, breaking up any large pieces of tomato with a spoon. Let the mixture come to a high simmer, cooking for 3-5 minutes to concentrate the flavours.
- Add the stock, bay leaf, fresh thyme, parsley, and barley. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
- Taste the soup, then season with additional salt and pepper to your preference.
Tip: If the soup thickens too much during cooking, add a little extra stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
This hearty beef barley soup is a warm, nutritious option that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe also stores well—just refrigerate any leftovers for a quick, delicious meal later in the week. Serve with fresh bread or a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!
