Ground Beef and Barley Soup is the perfect dish for those chilly days when you crave something warm, hearty, and nutritious. This soup is packed with tender ground beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth. With its rich, comforting flavors and satisfying texture, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes a large batch, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 8 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Use a spoon to break the beef into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot with the beef. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Barley and Seasonings: Stir in the pearl barley, dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaves. Mix well to coat the barley and vegetables with the seasonings.
- Incorporate Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth (or vegetable broth) and add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. If you’re using tomato paste for a richer flavor, stir it in at this point.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Optional Additions: If you’re adding frozen peas, stir them into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The peas will add a pop of color and a bit of sweetness to the soup.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard them. Sample the soup and tweak the seasoning with extra salt and pepper as necessary. Serve the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Barley Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for cold weather or anytime you need a hearty meal. The combination of tender beef, chewy barley, and flavorful vegetables makes for a soup that’s both nutritious and delicious. The rich broth, enhanced by herbs and optional tomato paste, ties everything together beautifully. Serve this soup with crusty bread for a complete meal that will warm you from the inside out. It’s a great option for meal prep, as it reheats well and the flavors only deepen with time. Enjoy this wholesome, home-cooked classic with your loved ones!