Name: Beef Barley Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided; 1 ½ pounds chuck roast trimmed, or beef stew meat; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 large carrots peeled and chopped; 2 stalks celery diced; 1 medium onion diced (yellow or white); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 8 cups low-sodium beef broth or stock; 2 cups water; 1 bay leaf; ⅔ cup barley; Chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe·5 from 7 reviews

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty bowl of Beef Barley Soup on a chilly evening. Brimming with tender beef, toasty barley, and robust veggies in a rich, savory broth, this classic soup brings cozy, homemade goodness to your table. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying weeknight dinner or something to warm both hands and heart, Beef Barley Soup is a nostalgic favorite that always delivers—one spoonful will remind you why this timeless dish never goes out of style!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is the kind of recipe that proves simple ingredients can do something truly magical when they come together. Every item here adds depth, texture, or a pop of color, creating the unforgettable flavor and heartiness that makes Beef Barley Soup so special.

Extra virgin olive oil: Start with this for searing and sautéing—its fruity warmth boosts the soup’s flavor from the very first step.
Chuck roast or beef stew meat: The chuck roast becomes meltingly tender and deeply flavorful after simmering—an absolute must for traditional Beef Barley Soup.
Fine sea salt & black pepper: Just the right amount sharpens and balances all the savory notes.
All purpose flour: A quick toss in flour ensures the beef browns beautifully and the soup has just a touch of body.
Carrots: Their subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color make every bowl warm and inviting.
Celery: Essential for signature soup flavor and adds a lovely, gentle crunch.
Onion (yellow or white): The aromatic backbone—use yellow or white for best results.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs adds foundational aroma that’s cozy and crave-worthy.
Minced garlic: Don’t skip it—a couple of teaspoons give the whole pot a bold kick.
Tomato paste: Gives richness and deepens color, while adding just a touch of tang.
Low sodium beef broth or stock: Acts as the base—swap in a can of Beef Consomme if you want an extra punch of beefy goodness.
Water: Helps balance the strength of the broth and guarantees you have plenty of soup.
Bay leaf: Just one leaf infuses subtle earthiness as the soup simmers.
Barley: The star grain that soaks up broth and turns plump and toothsome—heart and soul of Beef Barley Soup!
Chopped parsley (optional for garnish): Sprinkle on for a fresh, vibrant finish.

How to Make Beef Barley Soup

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Begin by heating up two tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or sturdy pot over medium heat. Season your beef chunks with salt and pepper, then give them a toss in all-purpose flour so they’re lightly coated. Working in batches (this helps them brown, not steam), sear the meat for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until it’s gorgeously golden. Transfer the pieces to a plate as you go—this little bit of extra time at the start creates tons of flavor in the finished soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once the beef is all browned, add the rest of the olive oil if needed, and use a wooden spoon to scrape any tasty brown bits off the bottom of the pot. Toss in your chopped carrots, celery, and onion, then turn the heat down to medium low. Let them cook, stirring often, until the veggies are soft and fragrant—usually about 7 to 9 minutes. This step is where the soup’s sweet, mellow vegetables deepen the flavor base.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Tomato Paste

Stir in the Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and tomato paste. Keep stirring as that rich, savory scent fills your kitchen—give it two or three minutes while the garlic turns aromatic and everything melds together. This little moment is one of those “it smells like home” rewards of making Beef Barley Soup from scratch!

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Return your seared beef (and any juices that have collected) to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and two cups of water, scraping the bottom again just to grab every last savory bit. Add the bay leaf and barley, then give everything a good stir. Now, crank up the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil, letting it bubble for about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish

With the pot gently bubbling, lower the heat so it settles into a simmer. Place the lid on, leaving it slightly ajar, and let the soup do its thing for 45 minutes to 1 hour—stirring now and then as the barley plumps up. When the beef is tender and the broth is hearty, fish out the bay leaf. Ladle your beautiful Beef Barley Soup into bowls, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Beef Barley Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkling of fresh parsley is the classic finish for Beef Barley Soup, giving each bowl a fresh pop of green. For a little extra something, try a dusting of cracked black pepper or even a tiny shave of Parmesan—these small touches elevate the soup’s rustic appeal.

Side Dishes

This soup is perfectly filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm baguette, perfect for soaking up every last drop. A crisp green salad on the side is great for balancing out the hearty, savory notes, or you could offer a simple grilled cheese for pure comfort food magic.

Creative Ways to Present

For cozy gatherings, try serving Beef Barley Soup in oversized mugs (easy to sip fireside or on the couch!). Or go rustic with soup bowls on wooden boards, surrounded by bread, cheeses, and pickles. If you’re feeling fancy, offer tiny “soup shots” as a starter at your next dinner party—it’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature, then ladle leftovers into airtight containers. Pop them in the fridge and they’ll keep beautifully for three to four days—making lunch or dinner an absolute breeze later in the week. The flavors just get better as everything continues to mingle.

Freezing

For longer storage, Beef Barley Soup is freezer-friendly! After the soup is completely cool, place portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leave a little room at the top for expansion). Freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally—this way, nothing sticks or overcooks. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave. Just keep in mind: cooked barley soaks up broth as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of water or broth as you reheat to bring it back to your perfect soup consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Beef Barley Soup?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its rich marbling, beef stew meat or even leftover pot roast work well. Just aim for something that benefits from slow simmering so you end up with those irresistibly tender, flavorful bites.

Can I make Beef Barley Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, and it’s a great hands-off option! Sear the beef and sauté the veggies as usual, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the liquids, barley, and bay leaf. Cook on low for about 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef and barley are perfectly tender.

Which type of barley should I use?

Pearl barley is the standard and readily available—it cooks evenly and gives the soup its classic, velvety texture. If you only have hulled barley, you may need to increase the simmer time, as it’s a bit chewier and takes longer to cook.

Is there a way to make Beef Barley Soup gluten-free?

Definitely! Instead of all-purpose flour, simply toss the beef with a gluten-free flour blend or leave out the flour entirely—your soup will be just as delicious. Also, double-check that your broth and all ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! While this recipe is a classic, feel free to stir in frozen peas, green beans, or even mushrooms during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking. It’s a fantastic way to use up extra veggies and add more color and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Beef Barley Soup enough—it’s the very definition of cozy, classic comfort food. Whether you’re feeding your family, making lunches for the week, or simply craving something warming and nostalgic, give this recipe a try. Once you taste how satisfying and flavorful homemade Beef Barley Soup can be, you’ll want to make it again and again!