Skip to main content

Beef Barley Soup

One pot meal combining hearty grains, veggies and a flavorful broth!
Two bowls are filled with a hearty soup made with vegetables, ground beef and barley.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Makes: 14 Cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat or less)
1 large carrot, diced (about 1 cup)
1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
8 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup pearl barley (see Notes)
½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. In large sauce pot, cook ground beef over medium heat. Drain fat (see Notes).
  4. Add carrot, onion, celery and garlic; stir often and cook for about 5 minutes.
  5. Add broth, tomatoes with juice, barley and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  6. Cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 45 to 60 minutes or until barley is as tender as you like it.
  7. Serve warm.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Pour fat from cooked meat into a metal container. Let it cool, then dispose of it in a garbage can.
  • No broth? Use 8 teaspoons low-sodium bouillon and 8 cups of water instead.
  • Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with tomatoes.
  • Add 1 cup chopped kale or other greens with tomatoes.
  • Pearl barley is high in fiber but is not a whole grain. If using whole grain barley (also called hulled barley), it may take longer for the barley to soften.
  • Try adding cilantro on top for more flavor.
  • This recipe can be made in a 5-quart or larger slow cooker for extra convenience. Put cooked ground beef and all other ingredients into the cooker, cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours. To shorten cooking time, cook on HIGH for 1 hour then turn to LOW for 5 to 6 hours or until barley is cooked as tender as you like.

Comments

Very good for a soup that only took 40 minutes to cook! Adding tomato stock might be nice and make the broth a little more flavorful.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Vegetarian Borscht
Bowls of vibrant red beet and vegetable soup with a dollop of sour cream and parsley.

Vegetarian Borscht

Borscht is a soup that was first made in Eastern Europe hundreds of years ago. This variation includes beets with cabbage, beans and other vegetables.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
50 minutes
Makes:
12 cups
Brown Rice with Corn and Beans
A seasoned mix of brown rice, black beans and corn is shown in a serving bowl.

Brown Rice with Corn and Beans

This kid-approved recipe filled with whole grains, veggies and beans is flavorful, filling and perfect for any meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Skillet Granola
Bowl of rolled oats and raisins served with milk and strawberries.

Skillet Granola

This simple granola recipe combines whole grain oats, chewy raisins, crunchy seeds and a touch of sweet honey.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Fish Stew
Bowl of soup with cubed vegetables and fish topped with parsley.

Fish Stew

Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe that boasts a flavorful broth to complement your favorite white fish. Serve with whole grain bread for a satisfying meal.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Peanut Protein Smoothie for Two
Glasses of creamy smoothies.

Peanut Protein Smoothie for Two

Creamy and satisfying protein-packed smoothie perfect for breakfast and on the go.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Cheesy Polenta Pie
Photo of Cheesy Polenta Pie

Cheesy Polenta Pie

This tasty meal can be easily customized to meet everyone's taste preferences. Dinner in an hour!
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
12 Cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.