Hearty Beef and Barley Comfort Soup

by
    

Warm up with a bowl of hearty beef and barley comfort soup, a deliciously satisfying dish that combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and wholesome barley. This soup is perfect for chilly days and is packed with rich flavors and nutrients. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Follow these steps to create a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 1 cup carrot, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary (or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup pearl barley (substitute rice for gluten-free option)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (use gluten-free for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce (or soy sauce; use gluten-free for gluten-free option)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef:
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Toss the diced onion, carrot, and celery into the pot. Sauté for around 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
    • Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the aroma is released.
  3. Incorporate Tomato Paste:
    • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to develop its flavor.
  4. Add Liquid and Barley:
    • Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), pearl barley, and bay leaves.
    • Stir in the balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and fish sauce (or soy sauce).
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Simmer the Soup:
    • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together.
  6. Finish and Serve:
    • Remove the bay leaves.
    • Stir in the chopped parsley, if using.

Conclusion

This hearty beef and barley comfort soup is a perfect way to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal. With its rich broth, tender vegetables, and wholesome barley, it’s a satisfying dish that will warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy this comforting soup with family and friends, and savor the delicious blend of ingredients in every spoonful.