Best-ever Beef Barley Soup ๐ฅฃ
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6
Description:
Soups hold a special place in my heartโthey’re comforting, hearty, and a delightful canvas for flavor adventures. In my 57 years of culinary exploration, I’ve gathered a treasure trove of soup recipes, but this Best-ever Beef Barley Soup holds a top spot. It’s not just easy to make, but the secret touch of catsup lends it a unique, tangy flavor that appeals to all, especially the little ones. This recipe was passed down by my daughter, Sarahloves2cook, a culinary enthusiast in her own right.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 6 cups water
- 3 beef bouillon cubes
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 1/2 onions, chopped
- 1 1/2 green peppers, diced
- 1 1/2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup barley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/3 cup catsup
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Instructions:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a Dutch oven or a large soup pot, sautรฉ the lean ground beef over medium heat until it loses its red color. Break it up as it cooks. (I like using a two-tined cooking fork for this.) |
| 2 | Add the water, beef bouillon cubes, sliced carrots, chopped onions, diced green peppers, chopped celery, minced garlic, barley, salt, pepper, bay leaf, catsup, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the pot. |
| 3 | Stir everything together, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. |
| 4 | Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. |
| 5 | Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally. |
| 6 | After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you like, you can add more salt, pepper, or catsup to suit your preference. |
| 7 | Remove the bay leaf before serving. |
Serving Suggestions:
- Ladle this Best-ever Beef Barley Soup into bowls.
- Pair it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for a satisfying meal.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- This soup also freezes well, so make a double batch to have some on hand for busy weeknights. Simply thaw and reheat for a quick, delicious meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 290.6
- Fat: 9.6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.7g
- Cholesterol: 55.5mg
- Sodium: 1213.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 30.9g
- Fiber: 7.2g
- Sugar: 7.8g
- Protein: 22.6g
Recipe Notes:
- For a heartier soup, you can add more vegetables like diced potatoes or peas.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes.
- This soup develops even richer flavors when made a day ahead, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for gatherings or busy days.
- Feel free to customize the soup to your liking by adding your favorite herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce are excellent additions.
- Remember, the longer this soup simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. Just be sure to keep an eye on the liquid level and add more water if needed.
This Best-ever Beef Barley Soup is a comforting classic that will warm you from the inside out. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too! Enjoy the cozy goodness of a bowlful, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug. ๐ฒโจ
